RE: CULT - RAISED BEDS

Hi, Lora--well, maybe this is one of those things for which there are really 
no hard and fast rules.  But what makes sense to me is that iris that prefer a 
more moist environment (and I'm including the beardless iris here just to be 
overly inclusive) do well in a more acid soil.  Iris that require sharp 
drainage (which means most of the bearded iris) may do better if the pH is 
more alkaline.  Here the soil is definitely on the "sweet" side; last time I 
measured mine it was 7.5 to 8.0 depending on the precise location.  I use 
continual applications of compost to help lower the pH, but that's 
counteracted by my well water, which has a pH of just over 9.0.  Still, all 
the classes of bearded iris do quite well here, along with the lilacs, which 
LOVE alkaline soil.

Barb, in Santa Fe, and WITH CASTANETS is about to pop, beating out SNOW CUB 
this year.

----------
From: 	iris-l@rt66.com on behalf of lora l masche
Sent: 	Friday, March 28, 1997 9:12 AM
To: 	Multiple recipients of list
Subject: 	Re: CULT - RAISED BEDS

Barbara

It's always been my understanding that TB's like a more acid soil.  My
soil is acid due to the pine and cedar trees around.   I also have small
bark around the plant to help with the weeds and keep some of the
moisture in the soil.  My irises due fine.  I also checked the soil once
just to see what the PH was and it was slightly acid.

Lora
Volcano, Calif
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index