Can I use store bought potting soil for vegetable garden? What should I add to potting soil to make it ready for planting vegetables this coming spring? I live in southeast Tx.
Often, potting soil from the store is already ready to go right out of the bag, as long as it is a high quality organic mix. Otherwise It may lack things such as dolomitic lime, or beneficial bacteria.
This link will take you to a collection of articles on soil building: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/
What are the safe levels of aluminum in garden soil?
These links will help you interpret your soil test.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/aluminum-in-garden-soil.htm
http://www.spectrumanalytic.com/support/library/ff/Soil_Aluminum_and_test_interpretation.htm
How often would you put soil conditioner into the soil
I would start with a soil test to measure how your soil is doing. "Conditioner", not a well-defined term, usually isn't necessary. It is an expensive combination of fertilizers, minerals and organic matter. If you have nutrient deficiencies, you need fertilizer that addresses your particular problems. Recent research is pointing to benefits to soil structure from a 'don't dig" method for gardening, including incorporating soil amendments. Only dig enough to ease your plant in. Adding compost to the soil surface will improve the structure of your soil as soil conditioners claim to do. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/what-is-soil-conditioner.htm
Are there benefits or detriments in using oak leaves mixed with garden soil? If so, please explain. Thank you, Ed.
It is always best to compost the leaves fully before using them in the soil. It can be used as a mulch, but unmulched oak leaves can rot, or even slightly change the soil pH. I would not recommend this. If you decide to do this still, then you will want to add mycorrhizae to the soil to help it break down faster.
Hello, I am trying to prepare my garden soil for Spring planting and am wondering if, when double digging the garden, it would help to add apple peals and/or oak tree leaves which dropped last Fall. I have also added diluted fish fertilizer. Thank You So Much For Your Great Gardening Information in Your Weekly Newsletter, Ranny McMurry
The latest in soil science shows that all that double digging is actually harmful. Gardeners are advised to dig a hole just big enough for the plant - that's it! That's a hard swallow if you, like me, have been digging or tilling for many years. I also have a hard time believing no amending soil by digging in compost or peat is also frowned upon. Current recommendations are to add compost, leaves, etc to the top and let the worms and critters drag them into the soil. I'll give you links at the bottom of my reply. As to adding peels, etc don't do it. Peels are much better once composted than raw. Shredded oak leaves, or chopped by a mower, are best used as a mulch where they will compost in place. I hate to spoil all your fun; I know what a day of double digging does to the soul.
http://gardenprofessors.com/building-healthy-soils/
WANT TO KNOW ABOUT CHICKEN POOP COMPOST.
This link has a PDF that can help: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environment/nutrient-management/pubs/mmf_calcmanureapprates_factsheet.pdf
how do you prepare the soil for plants and all other shurbs What is the best way to prepare the garden for different plants, What is the best way to to avoid weeds, and often do you water and when is the best time
I think this will be best explained through some articles. I will include one for each subject, but feel free to browse our whole collection of articles.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/vegetable-garden-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/watering/watering-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/water-plants-vegetable-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/vegetable-weed-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/starting-vegetable-gardens-guide.htm