We all know how much work goes into a good garden, by the time you realize any mistakes you might have made, it's too late to correct them and "there's always next year". Well- my family and I have had a fantastic garden the past 15 years at our old house, but it was 'there' when we bought it- we didn't have to dig it up from scratch. Just want a good fall harvest- what can I do to get the best soil?
2007-02-12 06:25:17 · 5 answers · asked by The Grand Inquisitor 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
First, you need to find out exactly what you have after you cut your sod out. You will have to test it. You can get pH testing stuff at your garden center. But, the best resource to contact for the proper amendments for your area is your County Agent (Dept. of Agriculture or Soil Conservation). The whole reason these agencies exist is to assist people in getting the most out of their soil.
It will have to be aerated (dug up and "fluffed) to a depth of 6-8 inches, and probably added to, to provide nutrients and to break up clumping and also hold moisture. Composted manure or garden waste is good. You will also need to make sure your beds drain adequately. You may want to think about using mulch or weed barrier as well.
2007-02-12 06:38:03 · answer #1 · answered by justbeingher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you dig the new garden , turn the sod over so the roots are up and they will die off. hope for some dry weather and when the balls of sod are somewhat dry till it up. i always add composted cow manure. the smaller the garden the more attention you can pay to small details. i prefer to keep it fun and not put a ton of work into it.
2007-02-12 15:26:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a good soil test kit. When it tells you what you're lacking, get advice form your home extension service in town, or your Master Gardeners (free) Sometimes all you need is lots of organic compost to till in. Some places that do research on growing plants can sometimes come out and advise you. Your county extension office will tell you.
2007-02-12 14:34:22 · answer #3 · answered by La Cicada 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to turn or plow the new ground in the fall of the year and let it lay all winter, this will give the sod roots time to rot and break down, then in the spring all you have to do is work it up. If you wait till spring for its first plowing it is hard to tend due to the balls of roots constantly getting in your way.
2007-02-12 14:34:40 · answer #4 · answered by billy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dig up the ground and mix the soil with cow manure
2007-02-12 14:28:56 · answer #5 · answered by shorty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋