Conditioning Indiana Clay Soil
Gross amounts of manure compost sounds like a good way to further increase
the soil tilth in my clay soil. I have access to the neighbor's old horse
manure heap, which is sometimes ranked second to cow manure. I hope that no
nitrogen deficiencies or plant burn will develop with any undecomposed
amounts of the horse manure. I am glad someone can relate to the Indiana
clay soil. Just ten feet outside my garden plot, you can break a shovel
blade trying to penetrate the hard-baked summer soil. Note that some people
have suggested using coarse sand or mineral sand to reduce compaction and
increase drainage and air space. Still, I have heard other comments that
such sand or mineral sand may actually worsen the soil.
Last night I found a 1/2 horsepower water pump and 40 gallon bladder tank
that I can set up, just for irrigation and perhaps misting on hot days.
Would like to use current digital timer to trickle water on and off
throughout the day, but will need to monitor water retention and air
porosity. In addition, I found the IPGA to be an excellent organization
from my initial contact.
-----Original Message-----
From: Brad2julie@aol.com [B*@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2000 10:34 PM
To: directart@wiers.com
Subject: Hello Indiana Grower
Brad Wrote:
Manure, peat, leaves and compost in gross amounts is what many of the big
time growers are using.
There is a small group of Atlantic giant pumpkin growers right here
in Indiana. We even have our own group the Indiana Pumpkin Growers
Association(IPGA) and website.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Pumpkin-growing FAQ: http://www.mallorn.com/lists/pumpkins/search.cgi
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PUMPKINS
