Organic Gardening
Here at Johnsons Landing we garden by the seasons. Not just within a single year, but the bigger picture, year by year. We want to create dynamic soil that is full of nutrients and is in a balanced relationship with the earths own natural order. This year Monika, our owner/gardener, is trying something new. It is a Celeriac year. Celeriac, also called celery root, knob celery, and turnip-rooted celery. If you’re interested in joining us on this journey it’s important to choose a sunny or lightly shaded site, with fertile, moisture-retentive soil, enriched with lots of garden compost or other organic matter. When planting avoid sites that dry out quickly or get waterlogged in winter.
Now that the weeds are under control Monika’s plan of action is to go with a no dig approach. She doesn’t want to disturb all the bacteria, fungus, and mycelium that are already established and working together to make good and healthy earth so that we can plant the tender seedlings and seeds into it. No Dig enriches the soil without disturbing it and reduces labor and weeds by using compost spread on top of the soil. You plant into the compost and let the roots find their way down into the soil beneath. Last year Monika’s focus was fennel and leeks, which both thrived. This year the we are planting Celeriac. This hearty root will be featured on our menu for upcoming retreats!
At our retreat center we are passionate about providing our guests with organic, nutrient dense meals that support the healing work that happens in this space. We currently have a variety of lettuce greens, kale, chard, spinach, collard greens, potatoes, onions, garlic, leek, kohlrabi, fennel, carrots, green onions, radishes, beets, and Chinese greens in the ground. Tomatoes and squashes are waiting in the greenhouse to be planted outside as soon as the night temperatures are in the double digits.
We are blessed here in the mountains as the water we use in our gardens is clean mountain spring water which hasn’t been stripped of its minerals or polluted.
We also have chickens which contribute to our compost system and create a harmonious relationship with our garden and the insects. We use hay and manure and the chicken poop which is rich in Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. Chickens add to soil fertility and food production.
This last winter Monika made biochar in her wood burning stove which is currently inoculating in one of her compost sections. Biochar is beneficial by improving plant health through neutralizing acidity, providing improved water and nutrient retention and improved drainage and aeration.
We also are electro-culture gardeners where we include wrapped wooden dowels in copper wire and place them into the soil. Exposure to electromagnetic frequencies can stimulate plant growth by promoting cell division and elongation which results in larger and more robust plants.
When the soil of a place is taken care of just as impeccably as the flowers that grow from it are, then sustainability is cultivated. When we are aligned with the earth we rest upon it feeds our spirit which is the missing link in energetic sustainability. Compassionate connection is what we can bring to the garden, to ourselves, and to each other. Organic gardening is a form of surrendering to mother nature and her ability to take care of us and of herself. We look forward to sharing her bounty with you.
