Dr Earthworm answers the questions

Hi. I'm Dr. Earthworm. I love to solve problems in the vegetable garden. I always recommend using organic matter in the gardening process, this will put nutrient into the soil naturally.

If you having trouble figuring out a solution to your vegetable garden, ask me a question. "I'll find a natural solution to any situation in the garden."

What are you struggling with? Send me your questions, , I'll be happy to help you.

I've answered some questions below.

Melojak: What do earthworms do?
Dr Earthworm: Earthworms are a gardeners´ best friend. Earthworms aerate the soil, create humus to fertilize the soil and serve as food for moles. Earthworms are pro compost makers.

Melojak: What is humus?
Dr Earthworm: Humus is the substance created by earthworms. Humus is the best compost the soil can possibly have.

Melojak: How can you protect the soil?
Dr Earthworm: When soil is exposed to the elements, it dries out and becomes infertile. In Nature, you will notice that the soil is always covered and protected in some way, either by live plants or by decaying matter. The best way to protect the soil is to use mulch and compost. Keeping the soil protected improves the fertility and the yield and also stops soil erosion

Melojak : What is a green manure crop?
Dr Earthworm: Green manure crops are useful if you have no access to organic mulch materials like straw and leaves. Green manure crops are leguminous plants (nitrogen fixing) and can be grown to enrich the soil. These plants are generally cut back and are mulched directly back onto the soil.

Melojak: What plants make good green manure crops?
Dr Earthworm: There are a variety of green manure crops that you can grow which will improve the soil, adding vital nutrients. Follow the link to find out which plants you can use to add the nutrients missing from the soil.

Melojak: What is soil pH?
Dr Earthworm: pH is the measurement of how acid or alkaline the soil is. The pH of the soil is influenced by the bedrock. The pH of the soil can be amended by adding lime to make it more alkaline and sulphur to make it more acidic.

Melojak: How do I know if my soil has an imbalance?
Dr Earthworm: Often chemical imbalances occur in the soil, causing various diseases that can affect the plants growing in the soil. Plants will reflect an imbalance in the soil by yellowing, getting spots and fungus and being prone to insect attack.

Melojak: How can you stop soil erosion?
Dr Earthworm: The easiest and most effective way to stop soil erosion is to cover the soil. Soil erodes when it is exposed to wind, sun and water washing it away. We need to take the best possible care of the soil by keeping it cool, moist and protected.

Melojak: Why are my plants turning yellow?
Dr Earthworm: When your plants start turning yellow it means that there is a nitrogen deficiency in the soil. A nitrogen deficiency can be corrected by adding compost, using liquid fertilizer and growing green manure crops.

Melojak: What does the soil need if the plants get pink edges?
Dr Earthworm: The soil has a Phosphorous deficiency. When phosphorous is missing from the soil it will show in the plants in the form of leaves turning pink.

Melojak: Do you have a gardening question to Ask Dr. Earthworm?

Dr. Earthworm: Are you having trouble figuring out a natural solution to grow a vegetable garden? Click here to email me.