Re: Soil Improvement

Hi Barb,
   Here in KY we (my husband) makes our compost in mass quantities.  We
have 12 bins going (5' x 5' x 5'), to raise nightcrawlers in.
Unforunately it never makes it into my flower beds.  He also makes my
mulch for me.  It takes 24-30 wheelbarrel loads to cover everything.  If
you can't or aren't able to use compost at least put down a very thick
(4 to 6 inches) layer of mulch, the smaller the pieces the better, once
a year.  Insects and worms will get in there and do their thing to it
break down.  I've done this for several years and it has helped my clay
soil out a lot.  I can dig down under the mulch and find 4 inches of
"black" soil before hitting clay.   
   Another thing that is helpful, because most common yards are lacking
a healthy earthworm count, is to buy worms or better yet, worm cocoons.
Scatter them around the flowerbeds in the spring, when the temps. and
moisture are right they'll hatch out.  By the fall you'll have improved
soil, better drainage and fishing worms to boot.  
   I use our worm castings to fertilize my flowerbeds in the spring,
then in late spring and on through the fall I use a weak fish emulsion
solution everytime I water.   I have a 5 gal. crock with a syphen hose
hooked up to it.  It may not be the right thing to do, but it works
here.
Sally
zone 6, west KY

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