Garden soil repair? Update with pics.
#6893698
06/08/20 11:19 AM
06/08/20 11:19 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,883 Alabama/ SE Wisconsin
shanemoss
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Alabama/ SE Wisconsin
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I built some 4x8x10 inch raised beds at a house couple years ago right on top of the lawn. I filled them with a couple buckets of dirt from my pasture. Done great for a couple years but last year they kinda stalled out. Soon as the ground thawed, I added 100lbs of manure compost and 100lb bagged topsoil to each bed and tilled it a few times.
They were already planted before I thought to test the soil. Everything is up about 8” or so. I just tested it and N = deficient, P = depleted, P = depleted? I tested the soil from about four inches deep. What can I do now that it’s planted to help this season? The beds are at homes for mentally handicapped adults and they sure love their gardens. Hate for them to fail. Any and all advise is appreciated.
Also, I done this at all three homes exactly the same and they all tested the same. The test said purified water recommended but I just used regular well water. I’ll try testing again with pure water but I would think well water would be the same? Thanks again......shane
Last edited by shanemoss; 06/21/20 04:28 PM.
When you earnestly believe you can compensate for a lack of skill by doubling your efforts, there's no end to what you can't do.
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Re: Garden soil repair?
[Re: shanemoss]
#6893741
06/08/20 12:38 PM
06/08/20 12:38 PM
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 135 Ozark Mtns, AR
JD Hornet
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Check your ph, until your ph is right the soil will not use all of your amendments efficiently.
Farm Hard
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Re: Garden soil repair?
[Re: shanemoss]
#6893917
06/08/20 04:43 PM
06/08/20 04:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,883 Alabama/ SE Wisconsin
shanemoss
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I’ve checked ph every year since I made them with a probe tester and always seven. The test I just did where you water down the sample, then after it settles, use a dropper to fill test tubes and add the capsule of powder, it tested neutral. I got more sample dirt to re test tonight with distilled water just to be sure I didn’t screw it up somehow. I’m gonna re test only two as I won’t get to the other till end of week.
Thanks for the help. I know nothing about raised beds or gardening for that matter. I plant a decent garden every year in Alabama and never done anything to the soil.
When you earnestly believe you can compensate for a lack of skill by doubling your efforts, there's no end to what you can't do.
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Re: Garden soil repair?
[Re: bblwi]
#6894253
06/08/20 09:52 PM
06/08/20 09:52 PM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 14,861 Greene County,Virginia
run
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You are deficient in all three of the major nutrients. Tod get some quick growth sprinkle some commercial say 10-10-10 or 19-19-19 or what is common for your area around the plants or about two inches deep and two inches out from the rows if you have rows. This commercial fertilizer will break down fast and get to the roots quickly. It will also provide nutrients to breakdown whatever organic compost type material you apply. Don't apply high fiber or lignin type compost while you are growing this year as it will take nutrients to break down the compost for the plants. Some good chicken litter etc. would be great and keep that moist.
Also do a pH and find out if you are acid or basic. With your bed sizes and depths it will be easy to calculate the amount of either lime or sulfates you will need to correct the pH.
Bryce I like what you said about chicken litter and lime/ sulfates. I lean towards the natural methods as much as possible.
wanna be goat farmer.
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Re: Garden soil repair?
[Re: run]
#6906298
06/21/20 04:45 PM
06/21/20 04:45 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,883 Alabama/ SE Wisconsin
shanemoss
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Last edited by shanemoss; 06/21/20 05:01 PM.
When you earnestly believe you can compensate for a lack of skill by doubling your efforts, there's no end to what you can't do.
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Re: Garden soil repair?
[Re: shanemoss]
#6906373
06/21/20 05:47 PM
06/21/20 05:47 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 5,509 West Central MN
20scout
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Horse's don't break down seeds as well as cows do so unless you don't mind weeding, I would suggest to go with cow manure.
Common sense is a not a vegetable that does well in everyone's garden.
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Re: Garden soil repair?
[Re: shanemoss]
#6906407
06/21/20 06:43 PM
06/21/20 06:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,932 NY
Rat_Pack
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