Soil, water and healthy plants workshop June 16

    The quality of soil leads to the success of any gardening. In the case of vegetable gardening, periodically test the soil every three or four years and understand the soil structure. Plant roots count on having the right nutrition and being in the right soil structure. It is no different than human bodies counting on the right foods to keep them healthy.
    To increase understanding of such topics, Colorado State University Extension and the Burlington Library invites the public to attend a workshop at the Burlington Library on Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m.-noon.
    Participants should take gloves and be ready to go out in the garden for some practice and observation. Contact Lisa Brewer at 719-346-8109 at Burlington Public Library to sign up for this workshop. The Burlington Library is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday.
    Understanding both soil and plant nutrition does not have to be complicated. Soil tilth is important and is determined by drainage, soil aeration, soil structure and moisture content. The key to improving soil tilth for any soil type is organic matter — finished compost that does not smell or have big chunks of undecomposed debris in it. Organic matter helps with moisture retention. However, it takes a long time for organic matter to build up 5 percent nitrogen in the soil. Five percent is the optimal amount of nitrogen for healthy plants.

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