Re: [SG] Into
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] Into
- From: D* H* <D*@PRODIGY.NET>
- Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 12:33:40 -0600
Dear Kathy:
I live in St. Louis, Missouri, Clay capitol of the world!
I guarantee you're looking at and working with clay. When the books talk
about well drained soil, they're saying "not clay." You can work around it
though. First of all, at least here, to say that working the soil is
laborious is an understatement. In certain areas, I simply cannot break it
up. I recommend a tiller to save your back. I'm not the most experienced
gardener here, but after tilling you can work in humus (sp?), compost and
sand to make it more workable. In the alternative, and what I often end up
doing, you can work the soil as deeply as you're able (which may not be too
deep) and then raise the ground level up to accommodate whatever you're
planting. You can also resort to one of many variations of raised beds.
Bermuda grass I'm not familiar with. Best of luck and don't lose heart.
Once the soil is worked, the gardening is lovely.
Denise Holder
deniseholder@prodigy.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Kathy Isler <ldywind@CLARK.NET>
To: shadegardens@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU <shadegardens@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU>
Date: Wednesday, February 10, 1999 7:28 PM
Subject: [SG] Into
>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?
>
>As for the bermuda......I've always used roundup.....but here, that may
>present a problem. I have boxers, and don't want to use chemicals if I
>can help it, for fear of the dogs getting into something. I'm also
>wanting to raise poultry, and that is also a consideration. Of course
>the bermuda isn't too bad in the shady areas, thank goodness.
>
>I'm going to amend the soil with lots of organic matter in hopes this
>will give this red stuff a boost.
>
>So, as you can see, I'm starting all my gardens.......the previous owner
>didn't have any at all. <sigh> Oh, I do miss my gardens in Kansas.
>
>Looking forward to getting to know you all........:o)
>Kathy........:o)
>Kathy Isler
>Cooper:Boxer,Neutered Male,White,brindle ears,and eye patch,n.ears,68lb.
>
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> _ . : * ~ * : . _
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>and time spent together, life's happiest hours...
>And friendship like flowers, blooms ever more fair...
>when carefully tended by dear friends who care.
>~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Helen Steiner Rice ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
