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

Re: Could use some advice

Sounds like your garden is on the fast track to success. Be careful with
the sawdust, though, make sure they don't ever cut treated wood, or you'll
be getting a dose of toxins in your soil that you really don't want to be
eating.....

Denise McCann Beck
USDA Zone 7
Sunset Western 4
Coastal Bristish Columbia

----------
> From: Darryl Clark <autores@iname.com>
> To: veggie-list@eskimo.com
> Subject: Re: Could use some advice
> Date: September 18, 1997 5:20 PM
> 
> Hello Victoria:
> 
> I have a major clay problem also, and now is the perfect time to start
> preparing your soil for next year.  I use tree leaves and grass
> clippings to make compost.  I have an unlimited supply of sand from a
> spring near my house which I started adding during the composting
> cycle.  I used to dig compost in every year, but it seemed that no
> matter how much I put in, the clay would take over and clump together
> during the spring rains.  thats the reason for the sand, it seems to
> keep the mixture open much better than compost alone.  Finally, last
> year I got tired of all the work and built raised beds filled with
> compost.  this spring I only had to throw a few inches of fresh compost
> on top of each bed, no tilling, no mixing, etc.  There was a lot less
> continuing maintenance this summer, and despite the fact that I didn't
> water during our summer drought, I seem to be the only one in the
> neighborhood who got a harvest, actually my best harvest ever.  I'm
> definately sold on this.  This winter, I will try some mineral
> supplements in the compost like calcium, phosphorus iron and wood ashes.
> We also add vegetable scraps from the kitchen and sawdust from a local
> mill.  I'm no expert on what needs to be in there, but what I've done so
> far seems to work well.
> 
> I believe there is a mail list for composters on the net.  If I come
> across the subscription info I'll send it to you.  Why are you avoiding
> all animal products?  I guess I have so far out of fear, but I am
> considering the of free horse manure.  I you have reasons why this is
> undesireable I'd love to hear them.
> 
> DC
> 
> 
> SequoyahGa@aol.com wrote:
> > 
> > Hello Everyone,
> > 
> > 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?
> > 
> > Thanks,
> > Victoria
> > North Georgia, Zone 7
> > SequoyahGa@aol.com
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index