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Pembroke, Ma

I will be increasing the size of my patch significatly tomorrow. I won't have enough prepared soil to go around. I'm going to purchase a 4 yard mixture and so far I'm thinking the four yards should be made up of three yards of the one year aged leaf and garden compost and one yard of aged composted manuer. Should I add anything else into the soil concoction. Loam or something? I don't know, but I will with your assistance.

5/16/2010 10:07:30 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Did you do a soil test? That will give a seasoned grower a better way to judge what you need.

5/16/2010 10:40:54 PM

Pembroke, Ma

I didn't do a soil test. The area being expanded is just into my lawn

5/17/2010 1:03:59 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Well next season get a good soil test at the U Mass lab. It certainly will be worth your while.

5/17/2010 6:19:08 PM

Deer Park WA

RichFig,good start by adding top soil when expanding/building your new patch. Dont worry to much about a soil test this late in the season, it takes years to build a world class site. Once you get the mountian of new soil tilled it is a good practice to add some composted manure and till it in too. I would recommend a mid season leaf analysis so you can get an idea of your plants needs. This fall take a soil sample and ammend accordingly for next season. Good luck!

5/17/2010 10:02:10 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Rich, I would like to differ with the other responses you have recieved so far!!! Get a soil test done now!!! Add nothing until you get the results!!! I would also have a sample of yer new soil taken to the lab!!! If you don't know what you got, or what yer addin, you don't know what you need!!! I added tons...of bad compost, from my local land fill to my pkn patch 3 years ago, and have had nothing but prblms since...know what you need, and don't add stuff you don't know what it is!!! Hope this helps!!! Peace, Wayne

5/18/2010 2:44:53 AM