Growing your own vegetable garden is both enjoyable and economical. However, the initial investment can sometimes seem high. So how can you replenish your garden without spending a fortune?
We’ve put together a practical guide full of money-saving tips to help you make your plantations flourish while keeping your budget under control. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, these tips will help you optimize your expenses and get the most out of your vegetable garden. So, are you ready to grow your own vegetables without emptying your wallet? Follow the guide!
Decomposition of organic matter in vegetable patches
After one year of cultivation, a drop in soil level can commonly be observed in a vegetable plot. This phenomenon is intensified if the soil has been enriched with organic inputs such as manure or RCW (Raméal Fragmenté Wood). In fact, these elements decompose over time thus reducing their initial volume.
In the case of a vegetable garden raised to 60 cm, it can be seen that about half the volume remains after decomposition. Before replanting, it is therefore recommended to renew the supply of organic matter to compensate for this loss and maintain soil fertility.
Preparing and enriching vegetable patches for a new crop
To prepare a vegetable plot for a new crop, it is essential to add composted organic matter. This compensates for the volume lost through decomposition the previous year. The use of of cattle manure is particularly recommended for its nutrient content.
For a square measuring one metre square and 60 cm high, two wheelbarrows of manure will be needed. Once the manure has been added, it is advisable to cover it with a layer of grass clippings.
This crucial step prevents weeds from growing back and helps to integrate manure into the soil. Finally, don’t forget that composted soil can be reused to complete the filling of the square.
Cost-effective techniques for maintaining the fertility of vegetable patches
To maintain the productivity of your vegetable patches, the addition of an last layer of organic matter from the neighbouring square is an effective and economical technique. This layer, about 20 cm thick, fills the entire square. Once this step has been completed, level, arrange and weed before planting new vegetables.
It’s important to note that only manure is required as an input in this process. Manure can be collected from a nearby farm in exchange for vegetable plants heated with manure. In this way, you can maintain the fertility of without spending a fortune on chemicals or other costly inputs.
