What does should I use instead of gravel in my 6 foot long planter boxes to keep them from being too heavy
Gravel is not a suitable growing media, unfortunately. If you are growing hydroponically, then I would try puffed silica stones, or puffed clay pellets. These options are lighter.
Otherwise, I would recommend using the potting soil of your choice, or soil according to the type of plant that you intend to plant.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/types-of-potting-soil.htm
We used a Fire Ant killer in our garden and later learned that it wasn't suitable for edible treatments. Must we replace the soil or will we be able to turn-over/mix with the other soil in the raised bed box (5X8x1)?
Look carefully at the labeling and it should state how long it is effective in the soil. Most pesticides break down rather quickly. If it was a systemic product, those can last longer. You can also check the EPA website for info about the main chemical used in the product.
I would think that incorporating plenty of compost into the soil would diffuse any remaining chemicals.
around here we have popular garden commentator - Brian Minter - he correctly pointed out, - all living things depend on the nourishment that the earth supplies, so let\\\'s not refer to the earth as \\\'dirt\\\', but use the proper word - \\\'soil\\\'
I would tend to agree, as some of my past mentors would say (and have said) the same thing! I'll pass this on to the editors.
I usually plant a large vegetable and fruit garden each year but because of a planned very busy summer schedule next year I will not have the time to tend to it. If I leave the ground fallow for a year, are there any steps I should take to keep it plantable and help it to not become completely over run with weeds?
I would DEFINITELY recommend solarizing it for a few months.
After this is done, I would recommend amending the soil with compost to give it a little boost before time to plant.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/compost-as-soil-amendment.htm
My garden did not do well this year and was wondering if lacking any nutrients
Sure! This link will help you to find the closest to you:
I have rearranged my yard and have extra soil left over from laying a patio. I would like to disburse it around the remainder of my yard but in doing so will result in covering some perennials and spring bulbs. If I add about an inch or more over these plants will that prevent them from growing ext Spring?
Your bulb foliage should have died back by now so it would be OK to cover those. Your perennials are probably still up, though, so I wouldn't suggest covering them. Do you have some extra space where you could create a small berm with the soil and add more flowers or shrubs? Or how about a new raised bed made with the soil?
If you needed to fill in some soil around the perennials, that would be OK. Keep the soil away from the stems, though, or you'll be inviting root or stem rot.
Another option if you don't have too many perennials is dig them up when the weather cools, add the soil, then replant.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/building-a-berm-how-do-i-make-a-berm.htm
Now what do I layer 1st over the bare ground? This garden bed is for dwarf shrubs.
This will be best with half compost, and half top soil. It may be better to mix them. Adding things to keep the pH where you want it may be necessary. Here are a few articles that will go into detail about the subject:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/best-soil-raised-garden-beds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers
You are the best!!
yes