Question one: Is it possible to over fertilise your soil? Would it affect your crops?
Question two: How do you go about changing acidity of soil to grow different crops that require various kinds of acidity?
Question three: How do you reclaim seeds from crops so that your not constantly buying new seeds and seedlings? (This may be a very simple, basic answer, but I am a total novice.
Question four: How much sunflower oil can a single head produce?
If I think of any more I'll let you know?
TrailRat
Hi trailrat - now there's a few to get us talking!
1. I think so - a bit like people, there's a fine line somewhere between enjoying one's food, and eating until it's unhealthy, and carrying all sorts of health risks. Veg can be over-fed - and grow too fast, too juicy, too soft, etc; and they fall prey to all sorts of pests and disease that a lean, mean veg shrugs off.
Easy to say - but lean, mean, ------- and tough? Like I said - fine lines, here! :)
2. Adding manure/compost year after year makes your soil slightly more acid (good for potatoes); adding lime brings the soil back up to (near-)neutral (good for brassicas). Going the other way - to get a more acid soil - a bit trickier to get something long-lasting, unless you grow the acid-lovers in pots?
3. Can be done http://www.hdra.org.uk/organicgardening/gh_seeds.htm (http://www.hdra.org.uk/organicgardening/gh_seeds.htm) - unpredictable ("Mama's baby, Papa's maybe"?) depending on how the plant was pollinated. And not worth it with F1 vegetables.
Hope there's somebody who knows more than I do coming along soon!
4. Haven't a clue! :)
All best - Gavin
2. Although compost & sulphur etc will acidify, & numerous things will give alkalinity, can you really change everything around each year as you 'rotate'??
Ours is a steady 6.5 & hard luck anythng that wants 5.5!! = Tim
Wouldn't disagree, Tim.
I've never tested my soil pH (ever, anywhere!); but I know that liming a brassica bed helps control club-root. So I've only a "gut feel" to back up the theories.
What change can be be managed is limited, and short-term?
All best - Gavin