Garden Tips

by John Yazo

Arthropods are classified as a cold-blooded animal, not insects. They are invertebrates, meaning they have no backbone. They have a armored skeleton on the exterior of there body, called an exoskeleton, six or more jointed legs and segmented bodies. They range in size from microscopic to several inches long and are the largest animal group on earth.They are found on land, in trees, both in fresh or saltwater and underground. Some of the most common arthropods that are found in a garden are ants, bees, beetles, centipedes, flies, and spiders.

Arthropods are a major benefit to insect control and in improving the structure of garden soil. Applying a heavy layer of organic mulch to your plants and the adding of organic matter to your garden soil are two ways you can give arthropods the food source and create an environment they need to survive. Keep them happy and they will work to your benefit.

The work that arthropods do is they ingest decaying organic material to eat the bacteria and fungi on it's surface. As they graze on the bacteria and fungi they stimulate the growth of other fungi and enhance the decomposing process of organic matter both in garden soil and in compost.

Arthropods distribute nutrients through the soil by carrying bacteria on there exoskeleton and digestive system, by mixing microbes with there food arthropods enhance the decomposition of organic matter.

As arthropods graze they turn nutrients in bacteria and fungi minerals. Then excrete the mineral nutrients in a form that plants can feed from. Every time organic matter passes through a arthropods digestive system it is thoroughly mixed with the soil in the form of fecal pellets. These fecal pellets are highly concentrated nutrient resource needed for the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Not all arthropods burrow through soil. The ones that do help to improve the structure of soil. by adding porosity, aerate the soil, increase water infiltration and the bulk density of the soil.

There are arthropods that can be damaging to plants. Having a good full time food source of organic matter will help prevent them from damaging plants. No-till gardens with plenty of organic mulch for arthropods to graze on is the ideal condition for them.

A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.

John Yazo

http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com

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