QuestionHello, This past year I shared a garden with my grandfather-in-law who is an amazing man. The problem is that he is addicted to his rototiller and would not let me mulch between rows because he believes in handweeding and rototilling at least once per week. I also think that he is remaining adament about this due to loneliness- more intensive gardening practices means I am at his home more often. I love visiting with him but I work 50-80 hours per week and the garden is an hour away from my home. How can I (gently) convince him to try my families gardening techniques- organic pest control, mulch, compost, etc?
BTW- My mothers garden (6 miles away from my grandfather-in-laws) was producing 1 month earlier, 2 weeks longer, plants were healthier, and MUCH larger and MUCH MORE productive.
Sorry for the psychology question, but I really don't want to repeat this past years garden and he is unable to garden on his own anymore. I also worry about hurting his feelings as I do love him.
AnswerAs you probably know from reading many of my other responses, I am a firm advocate of organic gardening. By properly amending the soil in the fall and spring, you dramatically improve the tilth and fertility of the soil. It is also much less work since the soil stays friable. The result is a healthier garden with less pests and a larger harvest.
Unfortunately, old habits are hard to break for many people. They would rather till, weed, and fertilize than let mother nature take its course. My advice is to buy your grandfather a book on organic gardening. Make sure it is one that contains numerous photographs. By showing him the results that can be obtained through this method, it may help convince him. You can also invite him to your mother's home and show him her technique and what it has produced. But in the end, it must be his decision. Afterall, it is his hobby, regardless of whether we agree with his methodology. As long as he gets satisfaction from the experience, that's all that matters.
I wish you the best.
Mike
