Re: CULT: Soil conditioners

--- In iris-talk@y..., ldunphy@a... wrote:
"I am about to add the soil to my new 60x4 raised bed. The 
> stone wall structure came out super. It will feature primarily 
SDB,MDB, and hosta. What mixture of soil would folks here recommend?--
Louise

Neil responds:

Louise, it would be helpful if we knew what climate zone, what area 
you are talking about, and what kind of exposure, soil and rainfall 
or irrigation you expect.  Different conditions, different areas vary 
considerably in what is needed.

If you expect to grow hostas, you must not be in full sun.  Your 
bearded irises will thrive ONLY if they have more light than hostas 
will like.

Sandy soils require different materials than clay, acid different 
than calcium rich Western soils.

ANY soil is helped by adding organics.  Ground up and composted 
Ponderosa Pine bark ("Cascade Soil Aid") if still made and available 
is marvelous if you are in an area where it or a similar product is 
sold.  Most of us also have had very good experience with alfalfa 
pellets or ground up alfalfa (chopped hay), provided what you get 
does NOT have added salt.  I.E., no rabbit food.  Good old compost is 
even better.

Manure is good, but cow manure on clay soils can create serious 
problems.  Sheep and horse manure is better, but needs to be well 
aged.  The manure or other organics needs to be well mixed in so that 
the material is UNDER the rhizomes, not against them or over them.

I can't think of anything else that would be universally true.  Soooo-
-what kind of conditions, soil and climate do you have?

Neil Mogensen  z6b/7a Arden, near Asheville and Hendersonville, NC in 
red acid clay, erratic rainfall (VERY erratic this year)


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