What's your question? Ask

Top Questions About Soil Amendments

Click on links below to jump to that question.

Questions About Soil Amendments

  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    September 24, 2017
    Certified Expert
    A.

    First I do not recommend raw, uncomposted chicken manure. This can require the proper bacteria in the soil to break it down into a usable form of nitrogen. Otherwise, you will be stuck with urea, which will burn your plants, and cause a number of issues, including pH, fluctuation. This ia what I believe has happened here.

    When the soil pH swings, certain thing like calcium and magnesium become unavailable to the plant. This causes what's known as blossom end rot. Which is what you are experiencing.

    My treatment is as follows: apply dolomitic lime to the soil area. This will correct pH, and supplement both calcium and magnesium.

    Here is an article with more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/tomato-blossom-rot.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
    Add Answer
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!
  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    October 1, 2017
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I would be more careful with liquids. You can do this in fall but it is best to do it in spring. I prefer dolomitic lime. It is pelletized, and tends to be safer, and more effective for the long run, while giving the area extra calcium and magnesium. This will also control pH. Often times the liquids are calcium hydroxide, which can throw the pH off, and burn things. Just have care when applying, and make sure it's not the middle of the day.

    Was this answer useful?
    00
    Add Answer
  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    October 13, 2017
    A.

    Humus is a generic term for any soil amendment made of organic matter. Compost, peat and decayed leaves are 3 examples of humus builders. You can make your own by gathering all your neighbors' leaves, shredding them and tucking leaves around your plants. Worms and 4 legged diggers move the leaves into the soil where they will decay and eventually become humus. And have a compost heap! Here is a fun discussion of the term humus. There is a twist at the end of the article!
    http://www.gardenmyths.com/what-is-humus/

    Was this answer useful?
    00
    Add Answer
  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    October 18, 2017
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This, largely, depends on the type of plant and if the soil in question already has a high nutrient content. If the soil is light, then I see no problem in giving it some extra help. If it is a strong mix to begin with, then you will have trouble starting seedlings, as the mix will be too "hot" to plant young plants into. So, use caution on which kinds of plants you put into a heavy mixture. Many houseplants will not tolerate this much nutrient content, and will quickly burn. A vegetable, once well established, will thrive quite happily in such a mix.

    Was this answer useful?
    00
    Add Answer
  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    October 24, 2017
    A.

    I assume you preformed a soil test and determined the need to an application of Lime.

    I would wait a week after Lime application before planting out an area.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/adding-lime-to-soil.htm
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/tips-to-lime-your-lawn.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
    Add Answer
  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    October 29, 2017
    A.

    Lime is used to acidify (lower pH of) garden soil, either if your soil is excessively alkaline (high pH), or if you have acid-loving plants like blueberries or rhododendrons:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/adding-lime-to-soil.htm

    The best way to determine how much lime to add is to have a soil test done. That will tell you how far off your soil is from the ideal pH for your plants, and how much lime you need to add.
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
    Add Answer
  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    November 4, 2017
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This doesn't bring much value to plants on its own, but they seem safe to use as a covering layer if that is what you are asking. As far as growing things in the rocks, and expecting them to feed the plant... That will not be feasible here. Otherwise, it can make a great cover rock, or garden outline.

    Was this answer useful?
    10
    Add Answer
  • Answered by
    sugarpod on
    November 5, 2017
    A.

    Hi Bush Doctor,
    Thank you so much for your input! Yes you answered my question!!!

    Was this answer useful?
    00
1 … 11 12 13 14 15 … 49

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

Learn More

OK
X
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!