There is a learning curve but it’s not that hard. Rule of thumb is east of the Mississippi soil = acidic. West = alkali. Of course, yours may vary.

My soil is alkali. Find some pine trees, gather, spread as mulch or mix in. I also use the fine pine shavings (big bale about $5 and goes a long way) at Tractor supply for mulch and soil prep. Any leaves, hay/alfalfa or cardboard (called “brown” material) can be used also. Mix in generous amounts of peat moss. Mix soil now for next season planting. Keep watered.

Do not use bagged stuff from big box stores. Do not use “potting” soil. It does not retain moisture. Exception is peat moss, steer/chicken manure unless you have animal resources. But even then you have to check out the company for scumbaggery.

Much of the bagged “soil” is not soil at all. Stick ur finger in several brands of bags…then smell. Smells like sewage…because it is. Also, there are many states now that have either passed legislation or are trying to allow dead bodies to be composted and used.

Use whole fish or guts and bury around ur citrus trees. If a new planting…put fish in the bottom of hole, throw a little dirt on top, then plant.

Worms and worm poop are your best friend. Use as much as you can afford in your soil prep. If you have an aphid problem, spread generous amounts of worm casings around plant and water in. Works amazing.

Use “heirloom” seeds (the plant will reproduce seeds). Watch out for seeds that say “non- GMO” but don’t say “heirloom.” Always leave one or two plants for seed collection. I like to buy tins of seeds from MyPatriotSupply.com and keep in fridge.

Got some onions growing in the fridge? Plant them, let them flower and collect the seeds. That bundle of chives going bad in the drawer? Plant them, they”ll grow. You can use or collect seeds. Organic potatoes from the store? Yup, let the eyes grow then plant. (Commercial bagged potatoes are sprayed so they wont sprout. Yes, they really do want to kill/control you). Sweet taters! Yup, but they like hotter temps.

There are veges that like cool temps and plants that like warm temps. Plant accordingly.

You can get your soil tested for pH and content. Do a search for your state. Also, you should have a horticulture college or uni that will have planting dates for specific veges/ fruit that grow in your area…that is very helpful. Download and print.

Farmers grew food for thousands of years naturally. And God put everything we need to grow. We need to get back to that.

(Sorry for the mini book). MudPuddle planting is my thing.