Question
Last spring I started my first vegetable garden and I used sheep manurer. It turned out very large and yummy.  What a success! Do I need to do anything else to my soil besides turning it over? Thank-you  Cynthia 'Rookie Gardner'

Answer
Cynthia, I am a strong advocate of using organic amendments in the garden. As you experienced first hand, the plants grow quickly and produce a large harvest. They also stay healthier and are more resistant to disease and pests.

To maintain a healthy garden, you will need to add more organic matter this year. That is the only downside to organic gardening; the soil must be replenished every year. I keep a compost pile in my yard which I add to all year round with grass clippings and shredded leaves as well as kitchen wastes. By early fall, I have enough to feed my entire garden.

Other materials that work well are peat, shredded leaves, mushroom compost, and aged manure. Sheep manure is great, but cow and horse manure also work well. Just be sure it has been aged at least three months to prevent it from burning young roots.

I hope this answered your question. Good luck this year, and please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike