Prairie EcoSystems Management

Shanti means peace in Sanskrit, and that is the philosophy I hope to practice in creating and maintaining Shanti garden. Peace to the environment will be observed by using no-till and organic methods, and by implementing permaculture design. By using no-till planting methods, disrupting the natural ecosystem that exists (everywhere in all soil) is avoided. The life that exists in the soil is allowed to continue and flourish. This is beneficial to the plants grown on top because of the nutrients released by worms, insects, healthy bacteria and fungi, etc. Also, it is beneficial to the environment because carbon (a greenhouse gas when not affixed to soil) is not being released into the air.

The correct carbon to nitrogen ratio (30:1) is met by many gardeners and farmers - small scale and industrial alike - by adding pertroleum based fertilizers to their tilled soil. There is too much blood spilled over fossil fuels to include these products on Shanti Garden. Since we are not releasing the carbon in the soil into the air, the ammendment here is simply nitrogen. Something that good ‘ol (organic) chicken poop will take care of! I am not lecturing on organic here, only stating how it relates the the theme of my garden

I also agree with Steve that it is important - now more than ever - to build sustainable and local food sources. Food is one of the foundations of a culture, and it seems that ours is becoming watered down. Having food security is something that we as a society take for granted, and is something that may not always be there. By creating a local and sustainable food source, we are decreasing the chances of ever having to fight for a food source. Also, in my opinion, growing your own organic food is a huge step towards decreasing our dependence on foreign oil as a nation.

Finally, I want to express that I do not view Shanti Garden as my own. I view it as anybody and everybody’s who has an interest, helps in any way, or supports community agriculture. To anybody reading this, my garden is your garden. I also want to thank all the volunteers who show up and help in their spare time. I have the vision, but cannot do all the leg work on my own. I want to thank Steve for being my inspiration. Steve, you are the first truly like-minded person I have been honored enough to work with.

I’m done rambling now.

Namaste’,

Katie