Nikki Van De Car - The Witchy Homestead: Spells, Rituals, and Remedies for Creating Magic at Home

The first step toward a magical life of connection and self-sufficiency is reconnecting with the land by the simple cycle of gardening our own sustenance. When we ask Mama Earth with intention to sustain us and sustain her in turn with our attention and devotion, we are returning to our roots, relearning the basic power of the elements, and participating in the foundational creative act of civilization. Whether you have room for rows of plants or you are cherishing a pot garden by your windowsill, you can still feel the nourishing energy of the elements.

The best way to connect with the magic and power of earth is to dig your fingers into it. Feeling the grit and warmth of the soil, even carrying it with you under your fingernailsthis is a reminder of how we were meant to be feeding ourselves. Growing and harvesting your own food are deeply satisfying, as you and the natural world create something together, enchanting your surroundings to bring nourishment where there was once nothing.

But it can be a little intimidating! Were all so used to the ease of grocery storesor even farmers markets. Its hard to know where to start. The good news is, organic gardeningthe kind of honest cultivation that brings you in harmony with the Earths energiesisnt as hard as it sounds, and youll be amazed at how quickly you see results.

THE SOIL

This is your foundation, the source of all you will grow and create. You can purchase good, organic soil if youre container gardening, but if youve got land, consider tapping into the magic beneath you and plant directly in your own soil. Start by testing it to see what it needs. You can purchase a soil testing kit online or at a garden store to get a complete breakdown of pH and nutrient levels. The most common nutrient deficiencies are:

NITROGEN To naturally add nitrogen to your soil, you can plant nitrogen-producing crops like peas or bean, or you can mix composted manure into the soilchicken manure is best. Be careful not to overdo it with the manureas with so much in our world, you can have too much of a good thing!

PHOSPHORUS You can purchase soft rock phosphate, bat guano, or bonemealall of these are organic options for increasing your phosphorus content.

POTASSIUM Kelp meal, ashes from your fireplace (particularly if youre burning hardwoods), and potash are all good options. You can toss in a bunch of banana peels as well!

You may also find that your soil is the wrong pH for cultivating your own food or magical herbs. Depending on where you live, it may be too acidic or not acidic enoughyou want it around 6 or 7. Now, this imbalance can be completely fine, as certain plants like acidity and you can grow those. In this and all of your endeavors, its definitely a good idea to work with nature, rather than trying to make it into something its not. Part of experiencing the sustaining magic of the earth element is recognizing what it is already inclined to give you. That said, there are ways you can naturally bring your soils pH more in line with your goals for gardening and growth.