Planting under mixed green manure sods
After harvesting our organic bulbs, we carefully till the soil just under the surface. Then we sow the wildflower field margin mix and spread compost over the fields. When the seeds start germinating, we apply an organic foliar fertilizer to strengthen the plants and soil.
Some time before planting new bulbs the green manure has to be mowed to stimulate the forming of a dense sod.
In autumn we plant our bulbs with a special planter. It raises the sod, plants the bulbs under it, and puts the sod back in its place. The organic bulbs are now in the ground and the living green manure can continue its beneficial effects for the soil.
Moreover the green manure forms a natural blanket against frost so there is no need to cover the ground with straw.
This procedure saves many hours of work by tractor, as well as large quantities of fuel. All in all this is better for the soil and better for the environment.
Throughout the winter the green manure secretes nutrients and protective substances into the root zone of the soil, through which it is passed on to the bulbs. Now the bulbs have a good start into their new growing season.
Wildflower field margins
Along the borders of most parts of our land we created wildflower field margins..In the summer, when
Nature is part of our business
If there is plenty of life in the ground, there will be plenty of life above the ground too. Because we do not use
Huiberts Organic Flower Bulbs
In February 2013 we started cultivating our flower bulbs in a more sustainable manner.
In previous years we had
Soil biology and no-till farming
An essential part of cultiviating organic bulbs is soil biology. Our principle now is that the soil in ..
Mixed green manure
Plants are essential for the soil biology. As soon as possible after harvesting our organic bulbs, we sow a green manure mixture, plants that improve soil fertility.