Used raised bed compost & organic potting mix in raised beds- but plants (cucumbers and lettuce) are not growing :( only 3" high - they were planted at least 4 weeks ago. Soil is very dry and mostly composed of bark chips. What ingedients can we add to the soil to make plants grow?
Try adding manure to enrich the soil. You can add a thin layer on top of the soil and try to work it in without disturbing the roots of your vegetables. Lettuce is a cool season crop and may be why it is stalling.
These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cucumber/tips-for-growing-cucumbers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/keeping-vegetables-cool-in-hot-weather.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/spring-planting-crops.htm
What types of kaolin clay are available for use in my garden. Where can I find it? I only see kaolin clay mostly advertised as a face mask. Thank you for your help.
Although I cannot recommend any places to purchase, I can offer some useful information on what it is, what it does, and its mixing instructions. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/kaolin-clay-insect-control.htm
The yew tree is very large although recently been trimmed, we planted some bulbs last year but I’d like to grow something else, how can I improve the soil and what would you recommend to grow.
It's best not to plant anything under a tree. Digging around beneath a tree can damage the feeder roots of a tree, which are usually within 12 inches (30 cm) of the ground.
Spreading two to three inches of natural mulch out to the dripline of the tree will protect the roots and will improve the soil as it breaks down.
if i turn soil over and water twice weekly will it be ready for planting in a month?
120 days is the magic number. Horse manure typically has a lot of weed seeds, so you may see more weeds in your garden.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/using-fresh-manure-in-gardens.htm
All my plants are in pots, I just recently purchased a ph soil tester and found all my potted plants were acid. I don't know how to fix. The nutrient level seems good.
There are a few good ways to go about this. Adding lime, ashes, and epsom salt are good ways to raise soil pH. Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/using-epsom-salt-on-grass.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/composting-ashes.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/adding-lime-to-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/lower-acid-soil.htm
both types of compost would be purchased by the bag in a store
If you are growing the flowers from seed, you may want to avoid the mushroom compost as it is high in soluble salts which can harm seedlings. Here is information on both of them:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/mushroom-compost.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/the-benefits-of-manure-in-your-garden.htm
I actually have 2 questions--1--would it hurt or help to add wood chips to my garden? mostly grow tomatoes & green beans #2 my tomatoes grow very tall & leggy (4 or 5 ft.) how do I get them to grow shorter w/ more fruit & can they be topped if done early? Thanks.
It's best not to mix wood chips directly into a vegetable garden. Here is why:
https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/2022/02/15/using-arborist-chips-in-garden/
This will help you prune your tomatoes:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/pruning-tomato-plants.htm