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Bristol R.I. USA

Is there anything i possibly do to help my soil out during the winter? Adding more Municipal Compost or raw seaweed during the winter months? Anyone know? Or should i just lay down the winter rye and be patient.

11/14/2009 11:46:41 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

amend before the frost and let it rest

11/14/2009 2:24:01 PM

Las Cruces NM

Kenny, the first question you have to ask is if your dirt needs improving? Hence why most say to have it tested. For thoes that do not have that ideal dirt, we continually ammend it to acheive ideal dirt in time (time is important). If you have good dirt, I sugest you put down that rye and enjoy your winter!
If not, fall is a convenient time to improve it as you have no crops in. The soil organisms aren't as active in the winter, so composted material would be best. And you can always put down some black plastice to move things along a bit. Wish I had seeweed! -- be sure to wash it good but you can put down some of that. Municipal piles can be big -- air it out a bit befor applying, especially when crops are present. If there is one rule to remember, it is to not overdo it, a few inches at a time -- time (years?) is what it can take so be patient. Too much at one time and you can get some real serious problems (sour mulch). I'm also a firm believer in adding what you take out so I always add a few inches in the fall. Again, the question is what is your current soil condition? I can answer any dirt question in more detail then is available here so feel free to ask -- you already have my email.

11/14/2009 2:49:28 PM

Hamilton Nj

i buried fish carcuses about 20 in my garden, but for my patch i have to start new cause im moving it ????? pizza

11/14/2009 4:39:19 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

I needed a ton of organtic matter. I put about 2 inches of compost and i'm sure i could use more. I continually add as much as i can. I'll get another soil test in the spring. Ag's take a lot of nutrients out of the soil.

11/14/2009 5:36:51 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Kenny, soil test? Do the recommended things from the test, plus whatever Tom says!!!! LOL Peace, Wayne
PS..add & till, or let it sit on the top???

11/14/2009 7:04:41 PM

Ohio

Kenny what % organic matter did you have before adding your compost?

11/14/2009 7:33:26 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

On the larger area the organtic matter was at 3% me and my father added plenty of municipal compost about 4 inches and have been adding more every few days. That pumpkin this year really took up a lot of organtic matter. I have a small planting area so i have to make the best of what i have. At my home i have maybe room for one plant. The organtic matter is a 5 i added the ammendments and will add more as the year continues.

11/15/2009 8:43:33 AM

Ohio

Kenny, You probably already know this , but for the other growers out there, ,,, I have learned from trial and error and from help from other growers like Larry Checkon, to make sure that your organic matter your adding is broke down before season starts.
Chances are you wont be able to get your patch 100% the way you want it in a years time, but you can get it close, it takes 'time' to get it the way you want it, just dont over do it all at once.

11/15/2009 7:39:40 PM