re: 2022 Spring Garden Thread

quote:

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Is it normal for a Clegg's raised bed mix and composted manure composition to still need miracle gro for things to survive?

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I was hesitant to add miracle grow early on because the soil test I did on the Cleggs came back showing all nutrients were high. My plants were just not looking as healthy as they should so I have increased watering and miracle grow and they have really started to thrive.

I believe plants will almost always benefit from a dose of instant release fertilizer when they are stressed by pests/environmental factors even if the soil is rich in nutrients but I would caution to be wary on how much miracle grow you use. It’s fun watching them jump right after it’s added but you can cause more problems then you started with if you add too much (especially after fruit sets).

In the case of the Cleggs the soil test also indicated the PH was a little high so that may be a factor on why the plants aren’t able to get the nutrients they need from the mix by itself.

The only amendments I added to the Cleggs this year was Peat moss and Perlite. I am looking forward to dumping my bags in the fall and mixing it with a bunch of manure/compost over the winter and will compare the results next year.