From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Utah

My dirt in my patch is bad, it is almost red in color. I already tilled in some manure but that isn't enough. Plus now I have too much dirt. what would be my best bet? Just take out all of it and fill it with bagged dirt, or what? I only have a couple months. Thanks

2/27/2008 6:47:09 PM

Sheridan . NY

why do you think your red dirt is bad -- have you done a soil sample on it -----

2/27/2008 8:33:06 PM

Utah

It's almost like clay in some parts! I have not done a soil test yet, but the soil did give me a lot of pumpkins, the root growth was just slow as well as the plant growth, and I'm guessing it's because the soil was so bad.

2/27/2008 9:09:16 PM

Kevinstinindians@yahoo.com

How can you have too much dirt?

2/27/2008 10:25:39 PM

Cincinnati,OH

You can't know why the soil is bad or even if it is bad without a soil test.

2/27/2008 10:45:56 PM

Utah

Well, it's kind of on a raised garden with concrete next to it, and some of the dirt is turning into mud and going on to the concrete and making a big mess. I guess I should have a soil test, I just don't really know how.

2/27/2008 10:56:37 PM

Kevinstinindians@yahoo.com

If you don't know, the best thing to do is to get a test. Then you know where your soil is at. Gypsum and organic matter can both help the soil structure. I'm guessing you're going to need both.

Get a soil test, ASAP. Taking a sample is easy. Its best to use a small stainless shovel. Dig up three or four spots around your patch, about 6 to 8 inches deep. Put the soil into a plasic container. Let it dry for a few days. After it drys mix it up, put the soil into a plastic bag. Mail it to the lab.

To find a lab check this thread out:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/msgboard/ViewThread.asp?b=20&p=240999

Post the results here. Then everyone can give you ideas on how you can improve your soil.

2/28/2008 12:23:50 AM

Sheridan . NY

unless---you soil isnt from and toxic dunp and is just every day back yard or farm soil im sure you soil is very buildable---go to www.candjfert.com theres lot of info there hit > > our products that will get you started--craig

2/28/2008 7:23:18 AM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

If I were you I would get a local experienced gardener or farmer to have a quick look at it they will be able to tell you immediately if it is normal topsoil for the area or maybe subsoil from house foundations which could indeed be fairly bad.

2/28/2008 8:37:03 AM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

red dirt may mean high iron content.

Or if your a redneck it meant that thats where u butchered yor trophy buck last huntin season.

2/28/2008 12:07:13 PM

Utah

Thanks you guys. I'll just take a soil test, and see if it's even bad soil. It might even be good, I just have no idea.

2/28/2008 3:44:56 PM

Seattle, WA

It sounds like you need to get some finished compost (not manure) into your soil. Tilling will destroy the fungi, though may be necessary initially to get aeration. I would look at reading "Teaming with Microbes" by Jeff Lowenfels.

Are you going to do this organically? It's the way to go to improve your soil in a manner that will be sustainable and not damage the environment or your health.

I would start a program of compost, compost teas, and mulch to improve the soil. It may take a bit of time and effort, but you'll end up with a great soil for growing!

2/28/2008 9:47:25 PM

Seattle, WA

In terms of testing I would look into a soil biology test. I find these more helpful then a conventional soil test. If you can fix the biology then in many cases the rest will balance itself naturally. Check out www.soilfoodweb.com

2/28/2008 9:48:20 PM

Utah

Yes I do plan to do this organically. I just don't know exactly what to add to the soil until I have a test taken. If I don't have time for a test, I guess I'll just add gypsum and other organic matter for now.

2/28/2008 9:56:47 PM