I have a large backyard and is has numerous plants, tress, and flowers except one spot. There is one area in the corner of my yard that is approximately 6ft x 4ft and no matter what I plant there, it dies. Could the soil be bad in only that spot or I am missing some thing? What can I do to make the soil fertile, if that is what is needed?
2007-04-19 07:21:50 · 4 answers · asked by jumpy_monkey_sundae 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
You may want to take a sample of your soil from that area to the nearest office of your state agricultural agency. They can probably do a soil analysis which might pinpoint problems which they can help you correct. Also, if you live near a college or university which has an agricultural program, they may provide similar services. Expect to pay a nominal fee for these tests. I would be surprised if they did them free.
Another possibility is to take a sample to your local nursery or home and garden center. Ask to speak to a certified nurseryman. These people have special training and more experience than others you might find at these locations, and are more likely to give you reliable information. If they can't do such testing on their premises, they can probably point you to the right place to have it done.
2007-04-19 07:38:11 · answer #1 · answered by MathBioMajor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't say, but if this spot is in complete shade, nothing would grow well.
Another thought is that some trees (and plants) have a chemical in their roots that prevent other plants from competing for the same nutrients. I know black walnut is one of them.
It could be the favorite spot for some animal to use as a bathroom? Father in law was killing my mother in laws flowers that way. ;)
I heard that there is weed killer that stays in the soil 20 years. Total herbicide. :(
Have you added anything to the soil to improve it? I would add some steer manure, it has nutrients and organic material. You could also try raised beds or pots?
2007-04-19 14:32:12 · answer #2 · answered by singnwinds 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
contaminated soil is my guess. someone spilled gasoline or oil or maybe there was a fire there at one point.. hard to know for sure..
Dig the soil out of that spot and replace it with some fresh topsoil. dig down 8" of so.. Then plant again..
If it dies then.. have the gas lines checked.
2007-04-19 14:34:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it under a tree? they soak up nutrients
Does your house use natural gas or propane -
had a friend who lost 2 bushes on the front line hedge
by the road - turned out was a gas leak for years - and stuff still
won't grow there, even after the repair
best of luck
2007-04-19 14:31:07 · answer #4 · answered by tom4bucs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋