Re: worms /soil building
- To: perennials@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: worms /soil building
- From: B* W*
- Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1999 14:59:35 -0500
Valerie,
I am faced with a neglected yard from which I just had 6 trees removed
leaving sunny, exposed, weed-filled "ex" beds (from a previous owner).
What I would like to do is clear and "hold" the beds over until (a) I can
gather some kind of planting plan, (b) work in order rather than
chaotically through the yard (like the first two years!!), and (c) gather
some cash!
Can I start the layering process this year for next year and if I do--what
about the weeds? In particular, we have an insidious ground ivy that is
growing everywhere. It is in the three yards surrounding mine, so there is
little hope it will disappear. Can I stop it somehow?
Any advice would help quiet my anxiety. Thanks!
At 02:53 PM 4/15/99 -0400, you wrote:
>
>
>
>
>Valerie Lowery@ZEON
>04/15/99 02:53 PM
>
>I agree with Susan. I don't own a tiller and because all of my beds are
>jam-packed with plants, I don't see where I'd ever use it except to make a
>new bed. What I do, however, is top-dress my beds every year with manure
>or bagged compost. At the very least, I'll throw on some slow-release
>fertilizer along with my shredded bark mulch. I let the worms do their
>thing as I'm too lazy to try and dig in all of that stuff.
>
>I've also learned that it takes hard work to remove sod to make a new bed.
>It is so easy just to do the layering thing that has been discussed. Did
>two beds like that and it's like magic. If it can bust up red clay, then
>it will work anywhere. The worms, centipedes, and other assorted bugs love
>the decomposing grass and newspapers. I've also extended existing beds the
>same way. The hardest part is the long wait. I do this layering thing in
>the spring to plant the following spring. All of the summer heat really
>bakes the mixture and it gives the bed time to REALLY decompose.
>
>I've tilled and I've layered. Layering is the best.
>
>Val in KY
>zone 6a
>(who is now thinking of another new bed...)
>
>
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