Re: [SG] Into
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] Into
- From: M* T* <m*@CLARK.NET>
- Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 23:00:46 -0500
Welcome to the List, Kathy...and yes, I would imagine that your soil is
clay - good old VA clay, very similar to my good old MD clay - rich in iron
- and probably other minerals if it hasn't been farmed to death. All it
needs to grow many plants is organic material.
Only other thing you need to think about is drainage. Dig a hole about a
foot or so deep and 18 inches or so in diameter and fill it full of water
once any frost is out of the ground. If it drains away within the hour,
you've got good drainage and no need to worry. If it takes longer, you may
need to take steps to improve drainage by either incorporating a lot of
grit with your organic material or even laying drain tiles or lines,
depending on the results of your test.
Once you add some nice organic material, you'll find that orange clay will
grow just about anything that doesn't want a sandy soil ;-) Oh, and it is
likely that it is on the acid side unless you are in an area with
underlying limestone rock...one test you should make is for pH, tho' most
plants are quite adaptable.
No thoughts on the Bermuda grass...sorry..
Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
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----------
> From: Kathy Isler <ldywind@clark.net>
> Date: Wednesday, February 10, 1999 7:42 PM
>
> Greetings everyone,
>
> I'm new to the list.......my name is Kathy Isler. :o) I am originally
> from Kansas, but we have just recently moved to Orange County, Virginia.
>
> We have purchased a small 5 acre farm, and I have several areas that
> will be wonderful for shade gardens. I do have a problem though.
>
> Number one, the soil is red, red, red, red! I assume clay.....haven't
> had it tested yet. I have never encountered such soil. The other
> problem is that the place is overrun with (yikes!) BERMUDA grass......my
> nemisis! I am at wits end as to what to do. Small patches wouldn't be
> so difficult to manage, but it's everywhere. This of course will be a
> problem for veggie gardens too. I also plant for birds, bees and
> butterflies. It should be interesting to say the least.
>
> Does anyone have this kind of soil?
>
