Very upset to read an article on your site encouraging people to think it is necessary to use peat in their garden. Please examine your conscience. If you don’t know why so am upset please do some research into the catastrophic loss of biodiversity and the carbon emissions associated with degraded natural peat bogs.
In order to provide gardening information to everyone, we must provide a wide range of information. This includes using peat, as it is still a popular gardening option.
We also provide information on peat alternatives such as coco-coir. This happens to be my go-to, as well.
Here are some articles for more information on soilless media:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/using-coconut-coir-mulch.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soilless-growing-mediums.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/types-of-potting-soil.htm
How much vermiculite, perlite, gypsum, limestone, & mycorrhizae do I add to 10 gallons of sphagnum peat moss? Trying to replicate a popular growing mix.
This recipe is similar:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soilless-growing-mediums.htm
I have a yard full of London rocket. I refuse to use glyphosate because the bees love the small yellow flowers. But I have been told that the vinegar/Epsom salts/dish detergent concoction I was going to use leaves salts in the soil that will leave it sterile indefinitely. Is this true? Is there a combination of things I can spray over the yard that will not harm the soil or pollinators?
That combo is neither safe nor effective. And it can destroy good things in the soil like earthworms and soil microbes. Here is more information:
https://local.extension.umn.edu/local/article/vinegar-and-epsom-salt-herbicides
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/using-organic-herbicides.htm
The ground in my garden has 6 inches of top soil and then rock solid clay. How do I overcome this problem? Any suggestions would be extremely appreciated.
Here's an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm
You also can find plants that do well in clay soil:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/plant-for-compacted-soil.htm
I planted bulbs in the winter, but unfortunately in poor quality compost and now in early Spring they have shooted, but are not doing well. Can I dig them up and replace the compost, or is it too late for this year?
It will be too late to do so, now.
I would recommend adding a thin layer of compost as a top feed. This will supplement until winter, when you can till in compost to reset the bed.
This article will offer more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/compost-as-garden-mulch.htm
I do not have a tiller other than by hand, not strong enough to shove manure off or mix.
This can, still, be a blessing in disguise! Just move the manure out from your planting sites, about a foot, and it will allow the seedlings and young plants a chance to develop before getting exposed to the manure.
Here is an article to explain the benefits of manure on soil: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/the-benefits-of-manure-in-your-garden.htm
SHOULD WE BE PUTTING DOWN LIME OR FERTILIZER NOW? What is the best kind of pellet lime for an acre? Best kind of fertilizer?
Now will be a good time to start preparing your lawn. With all purpose fertilizers, there is very little difference between brands. Any all purpose lawn fertilizer will be fine, unless you want to go organic. This will offer some benefits over synthetic fertilizer as well.
As far as lime goes... I prefer dolomitic lime. It is much less toxic than hydrated, or slaked lime, and contains magnesium as well as the typical calcium. This is something that is not present in hydrated lime.
As always, follow all package instructions for the best results.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/type-of-lawn-fertilizers.htm