What Ken said: Get a big load or two of compost and/or well aged mushroom
soil delivered.
I'll add that physical removal of large deposits of clay is very effective
and emotionally satisfying.
forget the gypsum--all the books recommend it, but in 30 years I have yet to
hear a farmer or gardener say it worked as promised. And 10-10-10 id pure
unbalanced garbage.
Remove as much clay as you can, mix in lots of good compost and you won't
need any added food the first year.
---Mike McG
----- Original Message -----
From: "Susannah Evans" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 1:12 PM
Subject: [Community_garden] Soil Amendments
We have a communal community garden in Columbus, OH - 40' by 80' with a clay
based soil. Our group has had several conversations about amending the soil
to help break down the clay. Gypsum was suggested and I was wondering if
there was a good source of gypsum that would be considered organic? We are
not a completely organic operation, but we try to consider everything we add
to the soil to make the best decision. Also, we are interested in starting
some of our vegetables within the next month. Would gypsum be ok to apply
now and till in or should it be applied in the fall.
It was also suggested to add some 10-10-10 fertilizer to boost the soil. We
are going to have a soil test done soon to see if we have specific pH or
nutrient deficiencies. Any recommendations on some good organic soil
amendments that could be added in the spring (or suggestions for fall?). We
are looking to grow potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers, zucchini, bush beans,
lima beans, peas, lettuce, broccoli and celery.
Thanks,
Susannah Evans
Epworth Veggie Garden
Columbus, OH
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