From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Sparks, NV

Hi i live in nevada i dont no how to start to prepair the
soil.
please help
THANKS

10/23/2007 10:52:28 AM

ExtremeVegetables.com

To give you an example, I started a new patch this year where the ground has never been tilled and nothing ever grown on it but grass. I began by turning over the area with a shovel to get as deep as possible. Once the soil was turned over I went over it with a tiller to break up teh large chunks and loosen the soil.
Your next step would be to collect soil samples and have them analized.
The results of your soil samples will accurately tell you what your soil is lacking or has an abundance of. You then ammend your soil according to the soil test results.
Most soils benefit from the additon of a well composted organic matter such as manure, grass clipping, leaves or a combination of those and or many other organic materials.

I would recommend that you till your patch, take your samples and post the results of the test once they arrive.

This link will take you to an inexpensive but reputable soil lab which will provide a quality test for the soil conditions in your area: http://www.al-labs-west.com/sections/anservices

This link will take you to a page describing "How To" collect your samples: http://www.al-labs-west.com/sections/anservices/sampling

10/23/2007 11:59:06 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

I agree with Greenhousin.

10/23/2007 12:33:13 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

You could also go to the USDA Service Center if one is nearby and talk to the people at the NRCS office. They may be able to give you some general information on your soil type, climate, etc. If there is an agricultural extension office available, they may also be able to give you some information. Growing in your area may be difficult, so it will help to get all of the informationm you can.

10/23/2007 9:21:32 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

You should gt a soil test ASAP & choose your chemical amendments based on the findings.

Here's what we ended up doing this spring:

We started a new patch this spring. It's an old farm field that had supported weeds for 7 years. We tilled with a 36HP Kubota with a King Kutter tiller that has he largest replacement tines. While they measure 12", the tines realistically rip down only to 9" or so. We added 3 yards of fresh cow manure to 2,00 sq ft then 40 lbs of kelp meal, 100 lbs of Sol-U-Cal, 100 lbs of Dolomitic Lime, 100 lbs Gypsum, 20 lbs of Sulphate of Potash, 40 lbs of Humic Acid & 15 lbs of Azomite.

This was tilled again with the King Kutter but the forward rotating tines eave a messy finish...so a week later we re-tilled with a Toro Dingo with a Rotodarian mounted out front.

10/24/2007 12:28:23 AM