Wondering how to work with nature to enhance plant productivity in your garden? The next Lettuce Grow workshop on June 8 has tips and techniques for natural plant management to help your garden thrive.
“Every plant has a secret that helps it thrive, and plant management respects the natural laws of our planet. Working with nature results is a great benefit to the plants we grow and the food they produce for us,” says Hans Rhenish, a retired plant physiologist and farmer and the host of the upcoming plant management workshop.
“Improved plant health, nutrition and flavour are our payback for applying natural, non-invasive methods of production. The soil and our environment are also beneficiaries. A multitude of plant species and other life forms greatly appreciate organic soil management,” Rhenish adds.
Plant management encourages farmers, growers and gardeners to work with the laws of nature and natural cycles. The course will highlight how these apply to growing, transplanting, pruning and selecting sites for planting.
“Plant management replaces chemicals with compost, mulch, seaweed, manure and water to create a healthy biodiversity,” explains Hans, who is passionate about using natural techniques. “Managing weeds with mulch and dense vegetation makes gardening easier and more enjoyable. And water management ensures sustainability.”
“Working with plants involves management of sunlight, water, soils, nutrients, site preparation, plant selection, treatment of plants and the sustainability of all practices – with special attention to natural balance,” adds Kira DeSorcy, lead instructor for the Lettuce Grow course series offered by North Island College.
To learn more about natural plant management techniques, join Hans Rhenish for the next Lettuce Grow workshop at his innovative and intensive small-scale backyard agriculture operation.
For more information, or to register for Plant Management on Saturday, June 8 from 1 to 4 p.m., visit http://www.nic.bc.ca/continuingeducation/. Search for course code GENI 7914 (Plant Management). Or call 250-923-9700 for more information.
Like this article? Want to hear more? Is there a workshop you would like us to organize? Send your questions and requests to growlocal@campbellriver.ca
Lettuce Grow courses and this article series support the implementation of the City’s Agriculture Plan and the community sustainability goal of local food self-sufficiency and resiliency.