Having a diverse garden can be a beneficial health and environmental practice. It can provide a healthy environment for plants, soil flora, and wildlife. It can also support healthy food.
In order for a garden to be healthy, it must have an active soil food web. This means that the soil must be rich in organic matter, rock minerals, and a proper pH. This allows the plants to grow and produce the sugars and minerals that they need to survive.
Adding organic matter as compost or manure, or using seaweed, can help to feed the soil critters. It can also help to improve the moisture and drainage of the soil. The presence of these nutrients can prevent diseases from building up in the soil.
In addition, cover crops are important. They can keep the soil cool in the summer and keep weeds out. They also ward off pests. They are common in sustainable farming. Some examples of cover crops include rapeseed, alpine strawberries, and clover.
Choosing the right plant varieties can also be helpful. Most plants prefer a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Be sure to choose disease-resistant varieties. Some varieties can be toxic if eaten.
A healthy garden can provide many benefits to the person who grows it. It can give the person a chance to exercise and connect with nature. It may also reduce stress. It provides access to affordable, fresh foods that are high in vitamins and fiber. It can also reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes. It can even reduce the risk of certain cancers and strokes.
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