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Re: Soil Amendments for clay soil

Hi Jane,

Your question about soil amendments, if you use Mel's mix you can grow just
about anything you want.  I've found it a little weak in pot ash and have
added some 0 - 0 - 60 to help it.  My garden grows well, the plants love it.
 I just plant in the mix.  When I built my blocks, I dug down about a foot
and sifted the soil.  I then filled the block with the perfect soil mix in
the book.  When I turn the mix over I just turn over the mix.  I leave the
clay alone.

Soil conditioner for clay is gypsum.  You can get it at any garden center for
about $5.00 or less for a 40 lb bag.  I mix it 50/50 pelletized gypsum to
pelletized lime and spread it over my sqft garden in the late fall when I put
the garden to bed for the winter.  I also add it to my lawn twice a year.  I
have clay soil too.

I've not used horse manure but at least 2 years old should be ok.

Ed in SW Illinois
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