Let's face it, most of us are so determined to get 'up and digging' in our gardens we don't always carry out those gradual warm up exercises that we should before embarking upon unaccustomed physical exercise. We have to learn to be sensible and work up to the gardening season at a reasonable pace, especially during those early months of the year when weather conditions are not always the most favourable for outside activity.
A new product in Garden Centres this year is the bio-engineered 'Lastrap' by Coopercare. This support uses a new patented technology to absorb shock and vibrations on muscle tissue and tendons, thereby relieving inflammatory pain and preventing further injury due to repetitive action. Therapeutic pads provide firm and comfortable support, together with warmth to muscles and improved circulation. If you are into jogging as well as gardening, you will also reap the benefits of this shock absorbing support without activity restrictions. For further information: www.coopercare.ca.
Okay, now let's get into the garden!
Let's start with that awful clay soil, so common in the yards of new homes. I'm always being asked "Should I have it removed and truck in fresh, decent soil?". You can, but it isn't really necessary. I recommend the addition of a product called 'Profile' by Professional Soil Products which, although new to home gardeners, has been used by professionals for over twenty-five years.
Clay soil is made up of tiny particles that cling closely together so water and air can't penetrate. Sandy soil contains large particles that won't hold water. Profile opens up clay soils for improved airflow to the root zone and in sandy soils retains moisture to help reduce watering.
Profile is an all-natural mineral taken from the earth, which is processed, then kiln fired, thus creating porous ceramic chips. These chips contain thousands of internal and external pore spaces that hold air, water and nutrients in a nearly perfect balance for optimum plant growth. Unlike peat moss, manure or gypsum, these chips do not break down but become a permanent part of the soil structure and consequently only have to be added once.
I definitely recommend this soil conditioner for the home garden, which is engineered for use in vegetable and flower beds; containers and hanging baskets; water gardens and ponds; as well as for trees and shrubs. In fact, it was selected by NASA as the perfect medium for hydroponic growth tests on the space shuttle.
In this day and age most gardeners are striving to take a 'natural' stance with regard to gardening practices and as soon as a new product arrives on the scene we sit up and take note, especially if it produces superior results! Mycorrhizal fungi have existed in the soil for four hundred years and when this fungi comes into contact with plant roots it creates a network in the soil, thus increasing the absorption capacity for water and nutrients such as phosphorus, copper and zinc. This enables better plant growth and development. Over the years, mainly due to human interference, insufficient quantities remain in the soil for accomplishing any significant effect on plant growth.
