Suitable plant combinations

1. Ground cover species:

Provide phosphorus/nitrogen to depleted soils Low-growing, reduce weeds, slow evaporation, capture moisture, slow erosion. Bulk up soil matter Cycle nutrients Rhysodisposition (sugar-release) Deep roots to harvest minerals (preferable) Pest-deterant (preferable) Self-seed (preferably) Post-harvest provide necessary mulch/compost Eg: Clover, rye, hairy vetch, buckwheat

2. Phytoremediation Plants

Geraniums:

Clean the soil for heavy metals. Geraniums are special in that they can absorb large quantities of various poisons. Toxins or metals can be extracted by the plants that are burned and the ashes melted. Geraniums may have roots in excess of 1 meter, which is longer than most pollution penetrates.

Sunflowers:

It’s best to sow sunflower seeds directly into the soil after the danger of spring frost is past. Ideally, the soil temperature has reached 55 to 60 degrees F. Give plants plenty of room, especially for low-growing varieties that will branch out. Make rows about 30 inches apart. (For very small varieties, plant closer together.) Plant the large seeds no more than 1 inch deep about 6 inches apart after it has thoroughly warmed, from mid-April to late May. You can plant multiple seeds and thin them to the strongest contenders when the plants are six inches tall. A light application of fertilizer mixed in at planting time will encourage strong root growth to protect them from blowing over in the wind. Experiment with plantings staggered over 5 to 6 weeks to keep enjoying continuous blooms. If you see birds scratching around for the seeds, spread netting over the planted area until seeds germinate.

Senf/Mustard:

Cleaning properties Plant between April-October Very uncomplicated plant Grows without fertilizer in almost every ground or area. Doesn’t need direct sunlight all day.