|
Soil is the most important part of our gardens. It is often necessary to amend our soils and accommodate for the plants which we wish to grow. It is very important to our plants that their soil requirements are met. Here are several tips that aid in easy necessary soil improvement.
Most plants prefer (but not all) a well drained, composted enriched, non-compact/clay soil. They prefer a soil that will nourish them while not restricting their root growth and subjecting them to wet feet. It is important for a plant to easily anchor its roots so that it is secure, stable, and can access the nutrients, air and water that it needs to thrive. Here are some common problems and easy solutions:
- My soil is sticky and full of clay.
This can be improved by incorporating lots of well rotted compost or manure, peat moss, and washed fine sand into your soil prior to planting. *Recipe: 1 part bad soil to 1 part
manure to 1 part peat moss to 1 part sand would do!
- My soil dries out too fast.
To increase the soils ability to retain water incorporate compost or peat moss, an increase of about 30% would be
a great start.
- My soil is Wet
To decrease the water holding capability incorporate washed sand or a perlite or vermiculite mixture to your soil at a rate of 30%. This should help, however there are more drastic steps if you have a very wet site. Consider a raised garden approach or the installation of drain tiles. And hey if you can't beat them, join them; there are lots of good plants for a bog garden!
- My soil is too acidic.
Some plants, such as lilacs, enjoy a more alkaline soil. Simply add lime to your soil to reduce the acidity. Test yearly and reapply as necessary.
- There are no nutrients in my soil.
Add lots of well-rotted manure or compost to your soil. Mulch around your plants yearly with shredded leaves. When you see the worms return, you'll know your soils improving.
- My soil is sandy.
Incorporate some peat moss and compost into your soil, a rate of 30 % will help. Adjust if necessary. This will help increase your nutrients and water retention level.
|
$14.95