Red, Red, Red Soil
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Red, Red, Red Soil
- From: W* M* <M*@AOL.COM>
- Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 11:32:24 EST
>Does anyone have this kind of soil?
Welcome to the Shade Garden List Kathy Isler. We also have heavy clay
soil although not the red type. When we purchased the land ten years ago
we had grave misgiving about the soil, you could not dig a hole without a
pick axe. We had always had loose sandy loom before but we just could not
pass up the setting, creek, towering oaks, ash, and basswoods. After
adding lots of organic matter, spring, fall, and every other chance we
got, we have a soil I would not trade for anything. Actually it did not
take all that long, at the most two years, and with three 10 x 50 compost
piles organic matter was not a problem to come by. We have never had soil
that was such a good growing medium. The only things we fertilize now are
plants requiring special treatment. We would recommend having your soil
tested right away.
Also we suggestthat during the first few years you want to make sure that
you do not let the soil dry out. Clay can be extremely hard at those
times. We still keep the pick axe handy.
w martin
myg1728@aol.com
http://www.oakmediacreations.com/myg/index.html
Zone 5, Southwestern Lower Michigan
Martin's Yard & Garden
