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Top Questions About Soil Amendments

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Questions About Soil Amendments

  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    June 3, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It is used to add calcium and magnesium to the soil and gypsum is a common substitute.

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  • Answered by
    earthlady on
    June 2, 2011
    A.

    To the best of my knowledge dolomite & or perlite are soil additives to keep your soil loose. Personally I don't like it in my soil mixes. You could use plain old playground or beach sand as an alternative. My beds are a mix of black dirt, peatmoss & sand. Peat moss will also keep your soil loose.
    Hope this helps!
    Earthlady

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  • Answered by
    greenlex on
    August 15, 2011
    A.

    Sounds like clay. I have it too. There is no easy solution. I find a pick maddox and alot of sweat are your best tools. You need to make the hole much larger than needed. I screen the clay to break it up, then incorporate lots of peat moss. The peat helps lighten the soil. Drainage can often be a problem as well. You could always build raised beds too. I found only a heavy pick maddox or pick axe is the only tool that will get you anywhere trying to dig in clay.

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  • Answered by
    Susan75023 on
    July 24, 2011
    A.

    Do your neighbors have this same type of soil? Sounds horrid. Our clay gets like rocks, when dry, but you can still dig a hole, especially with an auger. I would ask a neighbor about their soil - sounds like the person who built your house left some very nasty fill. ?? Is the soil in other areas of your property the same way?

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    July 25, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It depends on the type of soot.

    Wood ash is considered a good amendment for your compost, but should not be added to an actively growing garden directly, though you can add it to the soil in the fall and it will be fine for plants by spring.

    Coal ash, like from coal or BBQ briquettes, should not be added to the garden or compost.

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  • Answered by
    hotpaul444 on
    July 26, 2011
    A.

    thanks heather

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    September 10, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I would put it into your compost pile first, just so some of the salts and plant unfriendly chemicals in ash have some time to get leeched away.

    You can put it directly on the soil and you probably will not be adding enough so that it would harm your living plants, but it is better safe than sorry.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    September 15, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Right now would be an ideal time for cleaning up. This means weeding and pulling up or cutting many plants. Dividing overgrown plants can also be performed during fall. Planting spring bulbs is done now too. You may also want to take this time to protect the garden from winter temps, etc. by adding mulch. Fall can also be a time to prepare next season's garden by planning your designs. As for soil, amending the soil is normally done in spring but go ahead and throw some compost on it now and then mix it into the soil once spring arrives.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    September 19, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I don't see why not, but you may want to allow it to dry out some, turning (aerating) it with a garden fork or shovel.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    October 29, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/the-importance-of-soil-for-an-organic-garden.htm

    We also have an extensive selection of articles relating to various types of manures and compost found here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting-basics

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