Tina
On The Way Up
Joined: 07 Feb 2007
Location: Seattle,WA
Posts: 191
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| Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 5:57 pm Post subject: Soil preparation question |
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I am seriously frustrated.
I tried digging up some holes in my front yard to plant canna rhizomes but it wouldn't budge.After all the rain we are getting in Seattle, I thought the ground would be soft enough now.Guess not!!
I just want to dig up a few beds but I cannot do that. Budget is tight, so I thought I would do it myself. Is there any way, I can do it on my own? Also, if I get someone to dig it up for me, do I have to add anything to the soil? Or just clean up the grass / weeds? Do I have to put in top soil?
Thanks for helping!!
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Frank
Happy Gardening
 Administrator
Joined: 25 Jan 2005
Location: Malmö, Sweden
Posts: 8776
PlantStew: 960 |
| Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 6:33 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Tina,
Here is a topic that may help you out
http://www.gardenstew.com/about1700.html
How does the soil behave when you pick up a handful of it and squeeze it? From what you have mentioned the quality doesn't sound great, you may very well have to amend it before planting.
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PlantStew is new and needs your help, please contribute what you can. It will benefit members and visitors alike.
Thanks! 
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cajunbelle
Daylily Diva
Joined: 04 Jun 2006
Location: zone 8b Louisiana (Map)
Posts: 2936
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| Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 6:40 pm Post subject: |
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The first thing you need to do is identify the type of soil you have. If it is clay, then yes, amend it. We have a tiller which helps break it up, but we also have a tight budget which means we do our own compost. We also use oak leaves to mulch with and they break down and help cut the clay. Coarse builders sand cuts clay good and so does pine bark fines and peat moss, all of which add organic matter to the soil.
Any type of soil benefits from organic matter. Do you have a source for manure. Maybe some horse stables in your area. They may be willing to part with some if you have a way to haul it.
Cannas are pretty hardy, but if you are wanting to plant a variety of things you will need good soil. We just keep at it and add organics to our soil whenever we can get some.
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Sharon
Phil. 4:13
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