Expert: Kindred Beisinger penname K D Elizabeth Beisinger - 8/31/2006

Question
Kindred, I am fairly well educated and informed, enough to know that organic gardening is really a nobrainer. But there are so many opinions about whether Table Sugar applied to grass or to plants has any value - or is even negative.  I was wondering what your opinion (and experience) is on this.

I would like to think that because you can add it to compost and sometimes it seems to be beneficial, it is also good for the soil that grass is growing in.  Or perennials.

I added it to the base of my tomato plants one year hoping it would "sweeten" the flavor of the fruits.  Then I read it was known for that.  I did not notice any difference.  Was it me?

What effect would sugar have on soil and its usefulness for gardening?

Can't wait for your answer to this!  Thanks for volunteering.

Answer
Dear Catherine,
I wouldn't add any refined product to my organic garden, but we do utilize mulched corn stalks in our garden mix and corn is high in fructose, so there is our sugar additive.  Many also use clover mulch, also high in natural sugar.  The land is so depleted that I believe additives are essential, but prefer natural additives, as I have mentioned.  We also let the ground rest and lie fallow every 7th year.  
Hope this answers your question.
Kind Regards,
Kindred
www,eingedi.us