RE: Soil for Container Gardening.

First of all let me say that I believe in composting and using organic
matter to improve soil.... but... large amounts necessary are not always
available to develop a fair sized bed. 

Several years ago in establishing raised beds approx 50ft by 4ft total
area, where the soil was clay under 2-3 inches of top soil the following
unorthodox procedure was followed.

Had a truck load approx 12 - 14 tons of crusher run delivered from local
quarry that is lime stone, it varies in size from sand to the size of an
unshelled peanut  It is not as much as the weight would make you think..

After removing soil to approx 18 in depth the stone and clay were dumped
in and mixed well, the entire area was done in stages, removing secrions
widthwise approx 2 ft X 4 ft. until entire bed was completed. 

This raised the bed level by approx 4 in. Large locust posts approx 6 in
diameter were used to frame the beds.

We have oak mulch delivered and it is used on beds throughout the year.
Feed our beds with a dressing of Urea to help the carbon/nitrogen ratio
& promote soil bacteria activity. Feel that the acidity caused by the
oak mulch is off set by the lime stone maintaining a good ph range.

This procedure produced a soil that remains quite loose & workable to
which organic matter can readibly added, garbage, leaves, etc.

We also have our own well & drainfield, in the interest of aiding both,
neither  wash or dishwater goes into the drainfield but is used to water
trees, shrubbery, garden. Last year one of the worst droughts in many
years occured & the same may occur this year here in N. Va.
Feel that judicious use of this so called "grey water" should be
encouraged.
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