Area Of My Garden Where Nothing Grows (well)

Question

I have a perennial border along my back fence. In 2 spots, 1 partial shade the other mostly full sun, plants, other than daffodils do not grow at all. I’ve amended the soil, installed a drip line sprinkler system,and taken out two types of rhododendron bushes that were not thriving. Tried planting native flowers (monarda, zigzag goldenrod and Blue Mist Flower (conoclinium Coelestinum), they were starting to spread last year and now nothing this year! Thirty years ago we removed small (6 foot) pine trees from both areas. I’m sure not all of the roots were removed. Could this be the problem? If so, what can I do to fix my problem? I live on a barrier island, have 6-8 inches of top soil, then sand. Hydrangeas do great as do my trees and boxwoods in other parts of the garden.

Answer 1

I wonder if it is the sand. When you amended the soil, is it still rather sandy? Sandy soil causes nutrients and water to drain too quickly. Adding compost should help. I doubt the pine roots are affecting the plantings. Nothing you've mentioned would have a very deep root system that might be running into pine roots.

It may be to your benefit to get a soil test to see if something is amiss in the soil in that area or if there is too much salt or acidity. The pine trees may have decreased the pH, but then you would think the rhododendrons would have succeeded. Continuing to add compost each year should help if the soil is still too sandy.

These articles should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/amending-sandy-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/reversing-soil-salinity.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm