This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under GDPR Article 89.

Re: Could use some advice

> I could sure use some advice. I'm new to gardening and am planning my first
> vegetable garden next spring. Is it too early to start preparing the soil
> (Georgia clay)? I would prefer not to use any animal products in my garden
> such as manure or bone meal, what other options do I have to add nutrients to
> this hard clay soil?

This is the best time of year to start preparing your beds. I am a bit 
north of Atlanta and strongly recommend that taking soil samples to your 
County Extension Agent is your first priority. For $4, you can have a good 
soil test done; the results will be mailed to your from Univeristy of 
Georgia in Athens. Call your local Extension office to get 
instructions...basically, you need to take several samples of soil to a 
depth of 6" from various spots where you intend to build your beds. Mix 
the soils together (use clean container and don't handle soil with your 
hands) and take a couple of cups to Extension office and bag up in the 
bags they provide.

Armed with the soil test, you'll have a good handle on beginning to 
transform your soil. Can almost guarantee that you'll need lime. But the 
most important thing to add is organic matter: compost, hay, dried grass 
clippings...anything and everything you can think of. You'll also be well 
served by growing a cover crop this fall and winter. Use crimson clover if 
you're seeding in the next few weeks. If you don't get a cover crop in 
until mid-October, use Austrian Winter Peas. Both these crops are 
well-suited to your growing climate and will help improve your soil's 
tilth, as well as nutrient content when you will them in next Spring.

Catharine Vinson
Atlanta, zone 7b
References:
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index