I only remove the big clumps of stuff that are better suited to making pots
than growing plants.
Although almost total excavation IS the prime advice in Mel Bartholomew's
Square Foot system....
----McG
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ray Schutte" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "'Mike McGrath'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "'Susannah Evans'"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 1:01 PM
Subject: Re: [Community_garden] Soil Amendments
> Why remove soil that is full of valuable minerals and nutrition. Mix it
> with the compost and gypsum, It is some work but no more than removing
> the
> clay. I have successfully done this and the resulting garden was well
> worth the time. It will be a few years before you can grow great carrots,
> but you can condition an area for that. Keep in mind sandy loam one of
> the
> most desired soils is clay based. The best advice has been to add organic
> material, add organic material and add organic material. You will admire
> the results.
>
> Ray Schutte
>
> "The truth of the matter is that the flower has cleverly manipulated the
> bee
> into hauling its pollen from blossom to blossom." The Botany of Desire,
> Michael Pollan
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of
> Mike
> McGrath
> Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:29 AM
> To: Susannah Evans; [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [Community_garden] Soil Amendments
>
> 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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> _______________________________________________
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> ACGA's services to community gardeners. To learn more about the ACGA and
> to find out how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org
>
> To post an e-mail to the list: [email protected]
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how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org
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