Page 23 - Robeson Living Spring 2021

Soilless mixes, usually purchased in bags from your local cultural Agent, at 910-671-3276, by Email at Mack_Johnson@
nurseries and box stores, need to provide good drainage and nscu.edu, or visit our website at http://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/.
the ability to hold moisture, air, and nutrients. Using native
soil can introduce weed seeds along with fungal and bacterial NC State University and N.C. A&T State University are col-
pathogens, which can definitely create more work and even di- lectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportu-
sastrous results in your new bed. Be careful when selecting nity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of
products labeled as garden soil; it may be too heavy and unable age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity,
to provide proper drainage without amending the soil. Most genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, re-
commercial soilless mixes do not require amending, but if you ligion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and vet-
choose to add more organic matter, 20 to 25 percent would be a eran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, U.S. Department of Agricul-
good ratio, and it should be thoroughly mixed in the bed’s soil. ture, and local governments cooperating.
Peat moss is a great soil amendment, but remember, it naturally
has a low pH, which means it is acidic and will lower the pH of
your soil when added. ABOUT N.C. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
N.C. Cooperative Extension is a strategic partnership of NC
The bed’s depth may inhibit root development if it is too shal- State University, N.C. A&T State University, USDA’s National
low. Six inches would be the minimum, where eight to ten Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), and local gov-
inches deep would suffice for most of our common vegetable ernments statewide. Extension professionals in all 100 coun-
plants. Even tomatoes have a large root system. You should ties, and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, connect
be able to grow all of your favorite veggies in your raised bed millions of North Carolinians with research-based information
except vining plants such as pumpkin and watermelon. Smaller and technology from NC State and N.C. A&T. Educational pro-
vining crops can be trained on a trellis and work very well, giv- grams specialize in agriculture, food and nutrition, 4-H youth
ing you straighter and cleaner fruit. So, let’s get that bed built development, community development and the environment.
and enjoy some therapeutic gardening this growing season. Find your local center at www.ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-cen-
For more information, contact Mack Johnson, Extension Horti- ter.