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On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

I posted this several years ago but thought it might be worth seeing again.
    
I have been watching this site for a good long while. And posting as well. There is a lot of helpful information that has changed hands over the years here and improved all of us as growers and some other things not so often discussed. Some of the information is accepted as being "the way to do things." People just know these things. There are other things people don't know and they know they don't. These things we all are trying to learn. But the things that hurt us all the most are the things we think we know but really don't. These things are what drive us to each year do the wrong things over and over again. So, I am just saying that we all should be thinking about what we are doing and how sure we are that it is the right thing. Be flexible and open to new ideas. As an example, for years I have been pouring chemical fertilizers on to my garden. I am now less certain it was not a mistake from the beginning. But, everyone was doing it. I used pesticides as a preventive measure. Was I right? Should I have waited until I saw some sign of a problem. Was the Roundup I used to suppress weeds the right thing to do. Now, I think not. On and on... think about your garden. Think about what you have been doing forever. Is it the right thing to do to rototill every year, essentially killing the soil life, or should we just be loosening up the soil and balancing it a bit better. Think about these things, be flexible to change, do what you feel is right for you. I guess the message is "Think and don't be so accepting of the things you think you know." Can I get an "AMEN"?

2/22/2021 2:05:47 PM

Grittyville, WA

Amen. I was born with an empty head and an empty stomach & not much has changed.
Most of us are Thomas Edison's... hard at work, exploring the 1,000 ways to not grow a world record.

2/22/2021 2:43:29 PM

Team Canuckle Heads

Amen from me Marv!

2/22/2021 5:59:46 PM

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

Marv, I will stop using some of those things you mentioned when I grow giant tomatoes like you. Because I totally agree with you. We should have be growing without all those chemical
But a big AMEN for brining attention to this.

2/22/2021 8:26:03 PM

Centennial Colorado

I agree. I thought about it and won't make that same mistake again. I kept thinking on all of my tomatoes but my 2.22 That I had to use chemical fertilizer to get the result. I think if I had just watered after amending right I would have been better off. At the same time, I need to take care of my squash bug problem. I keep resisting using pesticide, but for the 5th year have had plants taken out by them. I think in the end balance is the key.

2/22/2021 8:48:13 PM

Gone With The Win

I seem to be on the right track this year. Ive learned more what not to do as opposed to what I did Right. now to grow a 5 pounder!!

2/25/2021 8:22:50 PM