LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – For most large scale farmers and growers in Texas, yield can vary from year to year, but First Baptist Gardens in Longview has had tremendous consistency and success in producing fruit and vegetables on a relatively small piece of land.
Barely an acre and a half off of Cotton Street, the master gardeners who volunteer at First Baptist Gardens are working hard to produce a strong crop, all of which is given to the community.
“We give away the produce to shut-ins, the needy — people who can no longer garden on their own,” said Gregg County Master Gardener Rita Buckley.
Their secret to success is not such a secret: it’s all about organics.
“Everything is organically taken care of: organic soil, amendments, compost — just like you were out in the forest: the leaves fall, it replenishes the earth,” Buckley said.
Refreshing the soil each season with natural enrichment is what they feel gives them the high yield. And, they teach others how to do it.
“I would start with a fall garden. We have fewer pests in the fall,” Buckley said.
There are some simple steps people can take to start their own organic garden.
“The best place to start is if you have an area where you want to plant, take your kitchen scraps and bury them in that place and let them decompose in the soil: peelings off of potatoes, carrots, onion skins. You can’t grow anything if you don’t have good soil,” said Gregg County Master Gardener Beverly Todd.
“It’s very important to get a soil test once a year. The best thing a gardener can put on their garden is their shadow. Check your garden frequently,” said Buckley.
Master gardeners work year-round on the facility. They suggest if potential gardeners have any questions, they should call their local Agri-life Extension Office.
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