From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Michigan

Okay, I've started to amend my soil for next spring. How deep do I need to go and how big of an area?

10/14/2009 3:16:15 PM

Michigan

Addon: Everyone's telling me soiltest soiltest soiltest! Well... The ground I have has got clay not soil, is it all right for me to just fill it in with some good dirt right now (horse poo and compost is what I've been offered =D) and then do a soil test in the spring?

10/14/2009 3:20:58 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

RangerZ, the only way you will know what yer pkn patch needs (no matter what you call it...clay or soil) is have a test done. The test will tell you what nutrients are deficient in yer pkn patch!!! Hope everything works out!!! Peace, Wayne

10/14/2009 4:35:02 PM

Add some gypsum, like 50#/1,000 sq ft. This adds calcium and helps start the process of making that clay viable. Also add shreaded leaves this fall, they to will help add the needed OM to get things headed in the right direction. Read everything you can on soils, this website is a great place to start with links galore offered in posts for further research.

A soil test will help to get your pH in order, lime (if required) takes time to break down and incorporate after tilling. Get a simple test done now, add the materials this fall, adjust the pH shooting for a 6.8. Then retest in early spring with a complete test for major and minor nutrients. Find a mentor or post those results here in early spring for final tuneup.

10/14/2009 6:39:12 PM