We have clay type soil. It doesn't grow things very well. Our little garden plot is struggling. The soil looks bleached out and clearly lacking nutrients. We're going to add a load of nutra-mulch or something this spring, and are wondering if it's best to remove the top layer of old soil, 2 or 3 inches, before adding the mulch. Or if it doesn't really matter, as the deeper soil won't be any better anyway. Thanks.
It would be better to amend your clay soil with organic matter prior to adding your mulch. These articles 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
What is turkey grit and where can I find it? Thanks!
This is a coarse sand that birds eat to help with their digestion. You can normally find it at farm supply stores.
I recently built a raised bed garden and filled it 3/4 with commercial garden compost bought in bulk from a local supplier and 1/4 with bagged garden soil. There is a lot of wood debris in the commercial compost and I feel it may be tying up the nitrogen in the mix. Several soil tests have indicated very low nitrogen levels regardless of how much 10-10-10 fertilizer I use (took care not to add too much). Last year I used they same ratio to build wide rows and all my plants were small, and the yeilds were minimal. How should I correct this problem? All other nutrient levels are fine. I'm concerned about using too much nitrogen high amendments for fear of burning the plants or excess foliar growth.
This article may help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/nitrogen-plant-fertilizer.htm
I've stopped tilling my garden every year and have converted to a 100% mulched garden space where I pull the mulch back, dig a hole and fill it with compost and manure, plant and then recover with mulch. I know my soil tends toward acidic and I haven't added lime the past two years. I also use chopped up oak leaves for my mulch, which I understand are acidic. My question is, is it ok to just spread the lime on top of the mulch and let it leach through into the soil, or should I pull all the mulch off down to bare dirt, spread the lime and mix it in? Any help or insights would be very appreciated!
You can move the mulch and mix composted manure and lime, but I would only recommend adding lime if you have had a soil test that recommends that the soil pH is off.
I was just wondering the best and maybe fastest way to enrich my soil before planting.
One of the fastest ways to enrich your soil before planting your garden is to mix some good compost. Here are a couple links that may be of interest to you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/vegetable-garden-soil.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/what-is-soil-made-of-creating-a-good-garden-planting-soil-type.htm
I started a new place for my garden this year. I have tilled it, but is there anything special I have to put in the dirt before I start planting my garden?
This article will help you with amending the soil: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/vegetable-garden-soil.htm We have put together a guide for new gardeners too, if you are interested in that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/starting-vegetable-gardens-guide.htm
I have a number of raised beds that I have used for approximately eight years for growing vegetables and flowers. Each year I add a few inches of compost and several inches of mulch when planting the garden. Now, however, the beds are overfilled. Do I need to remove some of the soil in the beds or should I discontinue adding compost and mulch? (Mulch is essential here due to dry conditions.)
You shouldn't have to add soil each year so long as it's healthy, though refreshing the soil with compost may help. If it's filled to capacity, simply remove some to allow room for your mulch.