Revolutionizing gardens: The mustard-water flea mix turning soil fertile

Proper fertilisation and maintenance are imperative if we aspire to bountiful harvests or a garden that is pleasing to the eye.

The first step should be weeding the soil. This should be followed by loosening, for example, using rotary harrows and then levelling the ground, where a tiller could be quite useful. Once the soil is prepared like this, it can be fertilized and aerated. Depending on the soil's specific needs, this might involve compost, manure, or other fertilizers.

Recognising what the soil needs is crucial, even if it involves assessing its acidity with a special pH meter from a gardening store.

One of the favourite plants for soil fertilization is white mustard. It is perfect because it binds substantial amounts of mineral components in its biomass. When ploughed in as green manure, robustly grown white mustard equals about 20 tonnes of manure. Its roots aerate the soil effectively, a process likened to ploughing or subsoiling.

Furthermore it is recommended to enhance the mustard with water fleas (Daphnia). Interestingly, this refers to the well-known crustacean, part of the plankton, which is also a common feed for aquarium fish (available in pet shops). Water fleas are rich in minerals, notably beneficial nitrogen and phosphorus for the soil. What would such a concoction entail?

One kilogram of water fleas should be mixed with one kilogram of powdered mustard. After mixing, it should be applied to the soil. Around 4-5 tablespoons should be distributed over each square yard.

This fertilizer is also advised to be used before planting seedlings, such as tomatoes or peppers, in the soil. A spoonful of this mixture should be added to each planting hole before placing in the plant. This ensures a strong start. And the result? Poor soil will almost be transformed into chernozem.