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Garden soil, amendments in the Felicianas
Posted on 2/27/21 at 7:48 am
Posted on 2/27/21 at 7:48 am
My raised beds will be going into their second year. I filled them with a dump truck load of ordinary topsoil. Production was just OK and now it has settled a good bit. I need to add around 25 cubic ft more material. I’d like something higher quality, that would help improve soil tilth. Logistics is of concern, too, as I don’t quite have the time to devote to it like I did during quarantine last year. Tia
4
Posted on 2/27/21 at 8:06 am to turkish
Define/describe the top soil that you added - are you referring to true mineral soil or “top soil” as sold in bags at the big box stores which is 100% composted organic matter (composted forest products) with some sand mixed in for weight/bulk and drainage, this is usually referred to as garden soil or garden mix when bought in bulk at retail garden centers.
If the former - mineral soil - then you need to add composted organic matter. My raised vegetable beds are 100% “garden soil” (composed forest products) and composed animal manure, with composted leaves and composted straw bale additions. No mineral soil, though obviously nothing is wrong with mineral soil - it just needs to be amended with large amounts of composted organic matter, e.g. 50% mineral soil/50% composted organic matter.
If the former - mineral soil - then you need to add composted organic matter. My raised vegetable beds are 100% “garden soil” (composed forest products) and composed animal manure, with composted leaves and composted straw bale additions. No mineral soil, though obviously nothing is wrong with mineral soil - it just needs to be amended with large amounts of composted organic matter, e.g. 50% mineral soil/50% composted organic matter.
This post was edited on 2/27/21 at 8:31 am
Posted on 2/27/21 at 8:41 am to turkish
My raised beds get an annual top dressing of compost. I’ve gone to no-till, or at least minimal till, as it just seemed to encourage massive weed growth. Have also found that a thick layer of mulch (leaf mould or slightly composted grass clippings) helps to build soil quality as well.
Posted on 2/27/21 at 9:02 am to CrawDude
quote:
it just needs to be amended with large amounts of composted organic matter,
This.
Composted manure, leaves, peat, vermicast, etc..
Posted on 2/27/21 at 1:01 pm to turkish
Getting a soil sample would be my first concern.
It'd help with getting a good start and hopefully help you from doing as much amending later on.
It'd help with getting a good start and hopefully help you from doing as much amending later on.
Posted on 2/27/21 at 3:26 pm to turkish
Guy on river road near Ben Hur makes his own compost. One cu yard is 60$. Great material.
Posted on 2/27/21 at 5:50 pm to awestruck
Thanks. If I’m not interested in using any synthetic fertilizers, is a soil test meaningful.
Posted on 2/27/21 at 6:44 pm to turkish
I'd say yes.
There's certainly the issue of ph which is probably the biggest unknown or gotcha from going in blind. And if something is out of whack there's also plenty of options for organic amendments. I'm organic as well, it's the bonus factor of gardening for me, knowing exactly what's on your plate. And while it's not necessary it'll certainly help avoid things like blossom rot and maybe increase yield.
There's certainly the issue of ph which is probably the biggest unknown or gotcha from going in blind. And if something is out of whack there's also plenty of options for organic amendments. I'm organic as well, it's the bonus factor of gardening for me, knowing exactly what's on your plate. And while it's not necessary it'll certainly help avoid things like blossom rot and maybe increase yield.
This post was edited on 2/27/21 at 6:46 pm
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