Healthy soil and sustainable growing

[Emery Mitchamore <emitch@att.net>]

It may not be "By the Book", but I wait until it's getting Texas-hot and dry before putting on new mulch (June, usually).  There's a ton of Pillbugs around right now, but they seem to be content eating decomposed matter (and the cushions on my water wands).

E. E. "Mitch"  Mitchamore, just NW of Austin

www.hillcountrynatives.net

On May 7, 2010, at 7:11 AM, Michelle wrote:

I have switched all of my beds over to no till this year.  Mostly, I started
last Fall piling on the goat barn cleanouts and am continuing the process,
along with wood ashes throughout the Winter.

My problem is rolly pollies.  I planted 2 - 20 ft beds with potatoes and
they ate all but 1 tuber.  They have also eaten the tomatoe plants, 2
plantings of green beans and the squash.  Those never made it past an inch
high.  The deep, undisturbed mulch seems to be the perfect environment for
them.  Does anyone else have this problem?  Any thoughts on getting rid of
them?  I don't use poison, what's the point?  If I am going to dump on
poison, I'll just go to the grocery store for my food.

I'm wondering if maybe once the heavy mulch begins to compact some if that
will help.
I am willing to accept that the first year with deep mulch, no till may be a
total loss of food production (which it appears it will be), but we depend
heavily on our garden, so .... help!

Michelle in TX

_______________________________________________
Livingontheland mailing list
Livingontheland@lists.ibiblio.org
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/livingontheland