Garden’s Don’t NEED Fertilizer When You Do This One Thing…

When we think of growing plans, we often think about the fact that they need nutrients. After all human beings need to eat breakfast luncheon supper.
But did you know that gardens don’t always need synthetic or organic forms of fertilizer? That is particularly true if you leave things like plant debris in place.
This is called a closed system of gardening. A close system allows the microbes and decomposers to do the heavy lifting when it comes to fertilizer. The key is simply replaced what you remove when it comes to the soil health and the garden. 
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Ashley has had a passion for plants since she was a small child. In the long summers as a child, she would garden alongside her grandmother and it was then that she realized her love for greenery. With years of great studying, Ashley had begun her post-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan.
At first, her second love, animals, was the career path she chose but while doing her undergrad she realized that her education would take her elsewhere. And with that, four years later she graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a bachelor’s degree in science and a major in Soil Science.
Some of Ashley’s interests are KZbin, in which she posts informative videos about plants and gardening. The focus of Ashley’s KZbin channel is to bring science to gardening in a way that is informative but also helpful to others learning to garden. She also talks about the importance of having your own garden and the joys of gardening indoors. Ashley continues to study plants in her free time and hopes to expand her KZbin channel as well as her reach to up-and-coming gardeners.
Disclaimer
This description or comments section may contain links to affiliate websites. I receive a commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such a link. This includes the gardening in Canada website. You should assume all links both on the gardening in Canada KZbin, Blog, and all other social media are affiliates and I will receive compensation.

[@GardeningInCanada]

GIC Crew! I forgot to add weeds would/should be accounted for either chop and drop or replace the biomass vis compost 😊 If you want more day to day Instagram is the place to go! instagram.com/gardeningincanada Here is a urea fertilizer - geni.us/poMR20L Here is high organic nitrogen - geni.us/67Cc Just a word of warning dogs, cats, rats/mice, raccoons… all love the smell of blood meal. Personal experience 😅

[@timminschick]

Yep I have had ground hogs and racoon and I use blood meal in my veggie garden

[@sunnybizz4857]

YOU are an absolute necessary asset to the gardening community, and we're proud of our very own Saskatoon "Queen of the Soil".

[@GardeningInCanada]

AHAHAHAHA oh god. I feel like you guys are more of the asset then me 😅

[@janew5351]

I love it, Saskatoon, Queen of the Soil!

[@zan4110]

@@sunnybizz4857 Wow..Yes ..love Queen of the Soil....! 😍

[@BrahhdaCliffJones]

All hail the queen

[@ninapit]

Don't start to panic when I say, "I love you!". Your podcast is just the stuff, just the stuff. Thank you!

[@GardeningInCanada]

You're the best!

[@michelemarch8606]

Why can't we give two thumbs up?! Thank you for your channel!!!❤

[@GardeningInCanada]

Haha 😆 thanks

[@zan4110]

Your hair is beautiful..!!!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thank you so much 😀 I just blow dried it that day lol so you are making me feel like a million bucks

[@sunnybizz4857]

and her skin is glowing.... but that may be the humid 33 degrees 🌞☀😎🌻

[@saraphilpott7602]

Omg! I totally added compost that wasn’t done when I planted my tomatoes and yes, the leaves are curling! Google could not help me figure out why. I would have never guessed it was the compost and I would have never guessed the solution was nitrogen fertilizer. Thank you so much. I use compost that’s not fully ready all the time! Well, until today!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Let me know if it changes anything for you!

[@timminschick]

So true. I always leave my grass clippings in ground. I always just cut down my pernials but never rip out and never fertalize my flower garden and it does well. Sometimes don't even water just let nature do it and it does well

[@richardkut3976]

100% agree, you do not always need fertlizer. This practice works for me after soil was healthy.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Definitely the key. Getting things started and happy is important

[@bryanmoir]

Straight talking Saskatoon Queen! You are a national treasure!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Humbled 🙂‍↕️

[@ienekevanhouten4559]

That is all very nice on the prairie where you have soil to start with. Try it on depleted glacial moraine.

[@GardeningInCanada]

😢 once it’s up and running though!

[@tasma3]

I don't add much fertilizer. I do cycle some plants, cabbage and then add a plant after harvest. Or garlic and then after harvest add beets. Or onions after harvest plant potatoes, etc... im aldergrove, bc (between 8a-8b). I mulch my beds, 2-3 inches, of straw. I leave the stems in after last plant harvest. Once next spring comes, I turn the now rotting-ish straw into the bed and add fresh on top. I typically add a small amount of compost, just what i have in my compost (a lot of the plant debris) back in but thats all ive been doing for many years now. I do add new garden soil every second year to top up as needed. I have done soil tests with good results every few years.

[@GardeningInCanada]

That thick straw is a game changer! That increases decomp by a lot

[@JoyoftheGardenandHome]

Thank you. I've needed You to say Sulphur. I'm convinced it's the missing piece but wouldn't commit, but now, I'm ordering it. 😅

[@rhondatrumier5530]

Informative as always!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thanks again! 🙏

[@carolstuff]

I always learn something new from your vids; thanks Ashley!

[@GardeningInCanada]

I am so glad Carol!

[@MyFocusVaries]

The only time I had to fertilize/supplement my perennial flower beds was after they were replanted after municipal works came in and I replanted in their commercial soil, which I think contained uncomposted wood and other organics. I added blood meal around affected plants, which took care of yellowing/curled leaves.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Oh man that would have sucked

[@daniellamehlhoff7852]

Hi Ashley! Do you grow orchids? If so, could you do a video on caring for them? Or do you know of another content creator you trust who gives info on orchids? I appreciate your channel and it’s helped me a lot! I’m in a very similar climate to yours, North Dakota, so your insight is invaluable!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea!!! I totally do!

[@GardeningInCanada]

My arm tattoo is an orchid 🙄 lol so slight love

[@teac117]

My rhodies out front haven't been fertilized in a while, and they're just fine. We think they ate the neighbourhood cats though.

[@MichaelGawesebmainone]

Have seen your channel, don’t know why I haven’t subscribed, I did now!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Well thank you 🙏

[@Argo53]

Had to replay video a couple times around 2:51as I totally misheard "shady one at the back". Possibly I was just projecting about my "shady" shady garden!

[@PlantObsessed]

We must have the same ears lol

[@GardeningInCanada]

AHAHA i mean it’s essentially the same 😅

[@DavidMFChapman]

I tripped over that one!

[@ausfoodgarden]

We can grow year-round and cycle plants (Probably zone 9 ish Melbourne Aus) but I add fertilizer more as a "tonic" than actually fertilize. Mostly Fish emulsion and/or seaweed solution at around 10% of the suggested rate. The rest of the used-up nutrients are added back via compost and sugar cane mulch. Been growing for many years with good success. recently we had a soil test done and the veg beds were all in the optimal to high range for nutrients. The rest of the garden was poor. I'll work on that 😊 Cheers!

[@cdncampcook8680]

I don’t watch any other gardening channels anymore. LOL “I’m lazy; gimme the goods!”

[@GardeningInCanada]

Nooo pressure LOL 😆

[@kreed9646]

😁 thank you! Excellent video and just when it was needed! You rock!

[@GardeningInCanada]

No You Rock! 🪨 😏

[@VGV0]

Besides sheep compost put at the beginning of the year I did not add anything extra this year. I chop and drop any weeds I pick up.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Wonderful! 🎉

[@allysonvollmer7223]

i make worm and compost teas from weeds... because I live somewhere with little access to organic manure or cover crop seeds... and the season is often too wet to save my own cover crop seeds. Most things don't care too much but things like squash need help for sure.

[@madhat127]

Hi Ashley, another great video. Very interesting with lots of helpful advice. So I'm guessing adding worm castings to the soil is a really good idea as it is full of microbes. Have fun Mark : )

[@GardeningInCanada]

Absolutely! Great addition for so many reasons

[@yesterdayseyes]

I bought some not fully composted compost this year. Miracle Grow is the synthetic liquid that I can get at a discount, so I used it, worked great, everything is huge and full of fruit.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea… that’s unfortunate. It’s always my recommendation just because it turns things around quickly

[@raanre]

Would you please do a video on crop rotation?

[@chasbader]

Hot compost kills weed seeds. Cambium in saplings contains enough nitrogen to go thermophilic.

[@leehoeppner1199]

Hi ya, what are your thoughts on adding volcanic rock dust to garden beds? I see other KZbinrs adding it in the autumn or spring to their beds. Thanks Lee, UK

[@GardeningInCanada]

Skip it. It’s a scam, all soil is rock dust lol… it’s literally how soil is made

[@hummingbirdforestgarden]

🍁🍁🍁Yeah Canadian Growing Seasons!

[@Delgwah]

Thank you so much, . The rain water I collect off the roof at times is just full of pollen. Is the pollen something that should be skimmed off.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Nah leave that bugs will think it’s a tasty treat

[@rosemawhorter904]

Thanks for your geeky content. Mose channels need to go into this type depth. My understanding is that the problem with incomplete compost being added to the garden is that the nitrogen gets bound up in the composting process (but will be rereleased later). Am I right? If so, how can you tell the difference between damage from uncompleted compost and straight up nitrogen deficiency? I suppose the solution is the same but is there a way to tell?

[@GardeningInCanada]

Some people actually hate (and make it known), the longer in-depth videos lol. So everyone on the tubez has a purpose to someone

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yes you are correct on the compost side. And it’s essentially the same. The best way to know is are you showing signs of a nutrient deficiency. If yes, are you/have you incorporated organics? If no it’s likely an actual N issue. N is also difficult to test because it’s in so many forms. Most of which are “locked up”. So you can show high N but very little is up for grabs.

[@earthplants]

Really useful video

[@tammyfortin6660]

Great video

[@GardeningInCanada]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bobmanp8653]

Im in Kelowna what would you do in a landscape that has lanscape rock . I cant add any compost type of stuff.

[@GardeningInCanada]

If you have built up (3+ feet) any form of soil the same rules apply. If you are less than that and on top of rock you need to consider fertilizer and preferential a liquid form every time you water because leaching is going to be your enemy

[@sjewitt22]

Hi I found some Orchid Compost that a neighbor had thrown away, I opened it and it's full of wood chips, surely they'll use the nitrogen? Do Orchids not use Nitrogen or what's the deal? And should I not use this compost in general or just use it as a mulch?

[@GardeningInCanada]

Ooooo they are a whole league of their own. They actually get all the nutrients from the water that lands/sits on the roots. So it’s not the bark that feeds them it’s the water the bark hold. That’s why you can get liquid orchid fertilizer that is a very light volume of fertilizer

[@sjewitt22]

@@GardeningInCanada thanks as always.

[@brianramsey3824]

Ashley I can appreciate in ground you shouldn't have to worry about micro nutrients but I use raised beds so technically I have limited access to dirt....now how worried am i

[@GardeningInCanada]

Did you use compost or a triple blend?

[@brianramsey3824]

@@GardeningInCanada its kinda all over the board from chop and drop to the widest spectrum organic fert I can find to...last year horse manure compost. That was a real treat.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Very unlikely then. You will be fine

[@althenakora]

I wanted to ask is it a good idea to apply a high P and K fertilizer especially for heavy feeding fruits like tomatoes and peppers, or would that be pointless (assuming otherwise healthy soil with lots of organiz matter)? Thanks!

[@GardeningInCanada]

You’ll be fine not adding it. Some times it can’t actually cause more issues because those two work in balance.

[@WildAtoms]

Love it thank u!!🎉

[@GardeningInCanada]

You’re welcome 😊

[@jacobclark89]

Plants need micros just like people do , just because you have big fruit doesn't mean they are going to be nutritious and tasty , you are what you eat. ✌️

[@MushroomMagpie]

Talk about humanure sometime! I did it for a while years ago but haven't as easily incorporated into my life since i got less hardcore about gardening...

[@rubyli9226]

Can you comment on 'Swamp water' as fertilizer?

[@theresekirkpatrick3337]

I’m mulching with straw. Unfortunately i suspect its been treated as my lizard population has gone away. 😢

[@GardeningInCanada]

Lizards!!! 🥹

[@Primitivemycology]

Truth. I use spent mushroom blocks and mulch yearly and every other year I apply 2 year old compost before I till in the spring. Never anything else. And never ever ever synthetics. If I wouldn't eat it it don't go in my garden.......the mulch is from fruit trees. Lol I eat the fruit and use the wood😂😂

[@John-gi7qk]

I live in T.N. Heavy red clay has given me a drainage problem. The school says to pile more dirt on top. I bury kitchen scraps to help the soil. I burn wood and use it in my garden. Have more trouble with ants than anything.

[@GardeningInCanada]

How odd… I wonder why they say pile on soil.

[@John-gi7qk]

@@GardeningInCanada 2-6 inches to increase drainage?

[@DaFactsNoNonsense1713]

Tomatoes won't grow without fertilizer of some kind = I've tried controls like you, showing that natural fertilizers (crushed-eggs, vegetable/kitchen scraps, bananas, etc.), stimulate tomato growth

[@rebeccarekward251]

Gardens

[@Wellwhatevernevermind]

Would human urine(diluted) be considered a fast acting nitrogen fert if one didn't want to go buy urea?

[@francismeowgannou5322]

I've been using it and it works great. Would stay away from leafy greens and things like that.

[@GardeningInCanada]

I have a wholeee video on this! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5jTYYxrpshkaZIsi=drICgdE4ygS6OShC

[@sunnybizz4857]

@@Wellwhatevernevermind I use it to turbo charge my compost bin.

[@kendravoracek3636]

💚💚

[@GardeningInCanada]

❤️❤️❤️

[@PrairieDawnC]

Clicking fast!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Haha yes! No doubt.

[@SunnyNot]

Ashley, could you kindly keep it family-friendly? thanks