Re: Clay soil
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Clay soil
- From: "* A* M* <w*@Ra.MsState.Edu>
- Date: Mon, 11 Aug 1997 15:18:49 -0600 (MDT)
On Mon, 11 Aug 1997, Bill Shear wrote:
>
> Peat moss is acidic in reaction and is not suitable for beds with bearded
> irises unless you have strongly alkaline soil to begin with, or add a good
> deal of lime. The peat in the upper layers of the soil tends to float out
> with each rain, eventually producing an impervious-to-water layer,
>
>
> Bill Shear
I had heard the same thing that Bill describes, but until one
experiments, one will never know.
I was having trouble growing irises in the clay in East MS and
had tried everything I could think of to amend the soil, but nothing
worked until I had a load of 'river bottom' sand brought in. In building
the beds, I mixed in gobs of peat moss. I have a John Deere 214 garden
tiller. I tilled this mix over and over again and after planting did not
have the peat to float and wash away. The bloom was terrific and the
rhizomes are fantastic. And, there hasn't been anymore rot than in any
bed not treated this way. Everyone in this locale uses lime, but I have
not had to use more than what I ordinarily use.
Anyway, whatever works for you is what you should do. But, I
have had the greatest success in a bed of peat and sand. Any doubters can
come see for themselves and as I am in the process of making some new
beds, you can thrown in a shovel or two of peat and sand for me!!
Walter Moores
Enid Lake, MS 7/8
