How can fine sandy soil be treated t make it hold more water, ie more "clay like."
If you have a garden bed, amend the soil with several inches of compost/manure and several of peat or coir to a depth of 12 inches. Organic material should be added annually, 1-2 inches total, to replace what breaks down in the soil. Wood mulch decreases evaporation and slowly breaks down and enriches the soil further. (Rich soil has high water retention.) Worms, voles and other diggers and wrigglers work the organic material down into the soil.
I would like to purchase garden soil which is free of fertilizers and poultry manure. Are there any brands that do not carry these ingredients?
I usually don't recommend specific products, but in this case, I will. Any of the Pro-mix Series soilless blends will do. Just do a google search, and it will take you to their website, which has many different soilless media depending on your exact needs.
Hi there this is Eric Chenelle the questions is I have old opened potting mix can I still use it or do I have to get new potting mix for my flowers,veggies,and herbs????
There will be some breakdown of nutrient content, but if this was kept well stored, then there will be no problem using this. If it has remained wet, and smells like it could be rotting, then it would not be safe to use.
Large pot of soil, waiting for a new plant, filled with water after torrential rain and drainage holes blocked up. The soil sat for weeks drying out after I moved it to a protected area. It didn't smell very good. Now dry, but I wonder if I can still use it.
I think Shasta Daisy, but not sure yet.
Thanks for your response. I had a feeling the soil would be useless.
A bad odor is not a good sign. I recommend that you discard it or use it in an outdoor garden.
What plant species do you have in mind for this pot?
where do I go to get my soil tested,how much will it cost,how much is needed to be tested
If you are in the US, the most accurate and comprehensive testing is done by your state's Extension Service. Find their internet site, search soil testing and you'll see how to do this and the fee.
we have several low points in our yard. We also have a pile of a mixture of dead grass and weeds and lots of soil--can we fill the low patches first with the plant/soil mix and then layer new soil over it? Many thanks for your opinion!!!!
I would not suggest using the weed and dead grass as fill.
You can use top soil to fill in the low areas.
This article has information on this topic.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/fill-uneven-lawn-low-spots-how-to-level-a-lawn.htm
I would like to obtain soil samples from my large yard. How many samples should I obtain, what type of container should I use, where do I send the samples, how do I pay for the analysis, and what other information do I need? I have lost a lost of grass, both St. Augustine and Centipede. It was suggested that I have mushroom mulch spread on my yard. I have had a company both fertilizing and treating the yard for weeds. Is mushroom mulch a good product to use? What other approaches might be advisable?
I think, for this much information, you will want to contact your local extension service. They will be able to help you will conducting soil samples, or guide you on how to do this yourself.
This link will help you to find the closest extension service to you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/