I was wondering i want to start a garden and i was looking on line to see wha ti am supossed to do but it said you need a sandy faomy soil but my soil is more like clay. is there any way to get my soil ready to sow some seeds soon. I also live in a very isolated area so i can not get to a store more than maybe once a month. any ideas would be great!
He's exactly right. Stay away from it.
Are you sure it is a clay and not just hard packed soil. A soil test will really help. In the US, you county extension service should offer a soil testing service for a reasonable fee. They will make fertilizer recommendations. They also usually have information on gardening that is specific to your area.
Several things help clay. Compost being one. Compost is leaves, kitchen discards ( NO meat or fat)-- coffee grounds, tea leaves, peels-- so forth. For this season, in a spot not too far away, start dumping your compost stuff in a hole, put a shovel of dirt on top, maybe mix in some leaves-- and leave it alone-- adding all the while. Leaves-- if you have a bunch of Oak leaves, I understand a whole lot of them will change the ph of the soil-- so be kinda lite on oak leaves. For this spring garden plot-- dig in sand, fine dirt that you'll find around rivers, loam that you'll find in wooded areas ( which is natures' compost)-- as much as you can-- mix it well. Then plant. Next spring, remove some of your garden dirt and replace it with your compost-- putting the removed dirt where you are composting-- using it as the shovel full of dirt on the new discards-- Yes, it sounds complicated-- but it is really simple. You will find worms galore in your composted garden next year-- and that is the best sign you are doing well. Next fall-- get some gypsum-- it's cheap-- and sprinkle it over your dug clay-- you want the clay in large clods-- the gypsum will help the clay release it's tight bonds, and break up the clods. Clay is the best kind of dirt-- but you have to break those bonds. You will enjoy your garden in so many ways! good luck
Hi: I live in a clay base soil area. I have germinated thousands of seeds and there are a few things you could do to properly germinate your seeds as well as prepare you garden. If you only get to a store once a month, make a list of all the things you will need. Germinating seeds starts with a light weight potting soil. (no bark) Add some vermiculite and humus to the soil. (if available) Mix hot water with the soil as this will help your root systems develop. I will link you to the spice and herb section of my website. There is a page on growing herbs from seeds, which most plants have the same process. Once your seeds grow into plugs and develop healthy root systems, you can plant them into the ground. The key to any garden is properly prepping the soil. The soil should be turned over and worked over several times. This can be done with a tiller or a shovel. Rake out the garden and when you plant, I recommend to my clients to add mushroom compost to the soil. This is an organice fertilizer and will last up to one year. It doesn't smell great, but your plants will love it. Mulch or pine straw the area to help retain moisture in the ground. Water reguarly and you should have a healthy garden. I will link you to the plan - prep - plant method page. This is a good solid plan to do a garden. I will also link you to the site map, as this page has everything that is on the website. Browse through and see if you can find any other helpful information that could help you in this project or any other landscape project! Good luck to you and have a great day! Kimberly www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c. www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c. www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c.
