Hi, our garden (near Salisbury, UK) is very chalky and I would like to create a wildflower meadow in part of it. We took up the lawn, dug it over then sewed wildflower seeds, in February - lots! But barely anything is coming up. Any help gratefully received.
Yes, wildflowers will grow in chalky soil, but may do even better if you amend it a bit. Wildflowers are best sowed in fall. Here's an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/what-is-chalky-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/a-wildflower-garden-in-your-backyard.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/a-wildflower-garden-in-your-backyard.htm
I have a tree that calls for forest soil. Does anyone know how to imitate it for a potting medium, or what ratio of aggregates to organic matter I need to create?
Forest soil is a broad term with no real ratio. You will have to play around with a mix until you find something that works.
Generally speaking, this is a rich mix that has very little to no clay, quite a bit of silt, and lots and lots of organic matter.
Another thing to consider is the exact tree species that you have. Without this information I cannot tell you what kind of soil that it prefers, so you will have to do a little research on where you tree is native so that you can begin to craft a soil to recreate what it prefers. Depending on the species, there may be extra requirements to keep the tree healthy.
In short, there is no one solution that fits all, here. The soil will come down to the specific tree in question, and where it is native.
The most general solution that I can offer is to find a pre-bagged soil that is designed for forest trees. Otherwise, this will be a trial-and-error endeavor.
These articles will offer more information about building soils:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/the-importance-of-soil-for-an-organic-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-garden-soil.htm
Trying to be more eco-friendly and up-cycle waste. Was wondering what plants can you use 'used tea bags and coffee granules' for.Perhaps it can be used to enrich compost? thanks
It can be used for any plant. Just be sure to compost it, since it can invite some infections to the soil when not properly pasteurized.
If you do not wish to pasteurize them, then they can be used immediately after brewing and mixed in with the top layer of soil.
This articles will offer more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/coffee-grounds-gardening.htm
Planted a hybrid ornamental cherry tree after removing some clay soil and adding (bagged) garden soil. Got a lot of rain and wind a few days later which flooded the hole due to bad drainage. The tree blew down to its side since the stakes loosened in the mud. How can I fix this problem?
I have a couple articles for you about amending clay soil that should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/how-to-easily-improve-your-clay-soil.htm
Should I remove dead grass roots.The grass has not grown there in years.
I wouldn't remove anything but rocks! Leave the organic material, and add more organic material.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/the-importance-of-soil-for-an-organic-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-garden-soil.htm
I mixed 4 parts top soil 4 parts cow manure compost 1 part worm castings 1 part perlite 1 part coffee grounds ph reads a little over 7 i planted a few plants in 5 gal buckets what can i add to soil in the premix and the soil that has plants in it to bring ph down thank you ron
This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/raise-acid-level-soil.htm
The best way will be to amend it with organic material and compost. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/the-importance-of-soil-for-an-organic-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-garden-soil.htm