Soil Preparation and Analysis
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Subject: What to add to a new raised bed.
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From
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Location
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Message
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Date Posted
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THE BIG E (ERIC) |
Massachusetts
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I just built a new raised bed. What should i add first to get my soil off to a good start. ( the box is totally empty)
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9/16/2006 11:44:36 PM
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Tremor |
Ctpumpkin@optonline.net
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How deep is it & what is the underlying soil like?
It is wise to till some of the amendemts into the native soil so as to avoid causing a distinct root impervious layer & to insure good drainage.
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9/17/2006 10:35:29 AM
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THE BIG E (ERIC) |
Massachusetts
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It is about 1 and a half feet deep. The underlying soil is pebble stone not good soil at all. Pebble stone was from swing set long time ago.
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9/18/2006 6:28:04 AM
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Tremor |
Ctpumpkin@optonline.net
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This will actually improve drainage. It would still be good to break up this later & integrate the improved soil as much as possible.
Try to find "Sweet Peat" which is a soil made from composted manure, leaves & pH corrected Peat Moss. This material is nice since it is already composted & tends to hold it's pH.
One thing about Sweet-Peat; the name is protected & the formula is consistent. However since demand has increased here in CT, many hauling companies are copying it & selling a product that looks the same but doesn't always have the correct neutral pH.
Sweet Peat is often sold as a very dark mulch for use in high-end landscape & garden beds but I started some AG's & Field Pumpkins in the stuff & was amazed at the growth. Subsequent soil testing showed me a near perfect analysis. The physical texture of the aged product is also ideal.
"Where" to get it is the question. A former business associate of mine, Eddie LaFlamme was involved with this product & I know they were shipping to all southern CT locations from Wilton, CT last year. Mass will probably entail a more northern shipping location. I'll check for his number when I go to the office later. A quick Google just now yielded this which isn't much help:
http://www.landscapemanagement.net/landscape/author/authorDetail.jsp?id=2844
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9/18/2006 7:15:03 AM
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Tremor |
Ctpumpkin@optonline.net
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I just found this too but it doesn't look like a current listing:
Sweet Peat, Sweat PeatTM is a high-quality, natural humus peat, rich in micro-nutrients and trace elements. Sweat PeatTM is pathogen free, 24% protein, and has beneficial micro-organisms essential for healthy biomass.
Apply any time, Spring to Fall, 200-2000 LB per acre, or 15 KG per 1,000 sq. Ft. For orchards 5-10 KG per tree, as a base for potting soil 1:3 ratio.Available screened or unscreened, in totes, truckloads or bagged in 15 kg.units. Call 1-866-271-0719, 1-416-686-3690 or email for lead times and prices.
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9/18/2006 7:19:19 AM
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Tremor |
Ctpumpkin@optonline.net
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Laflamme Consulting Group Inc 35 Old Belden Hill Rd Wilton, CT 06897 (203) 762-0557
This might be the right location & phone number.
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9/18/2006 7:22:31 AM
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Tremor |
Ctpumpkin@optonline.net
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YIKES!!!
Don't call that location in Wilton. It's the wrong Laflamme.
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9/18/2006 11:00:41 AM
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THE BIG E (ERIC) |
Massachusetts
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Ok thank you i will look into the sweet peat. Also In fall im going to put leafs in the bed these leafs will be chopped up and i will add some grass clippings from the summer and some bag manure. Is this a good start?
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9/18/2006 3:02:39 PM
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Bohica (Tom) |
Www.extremepumpkinstore.com
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get a soil analysis
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9/18/2006 4:26:39 PM
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LIpumpkin |
Long Island,New York
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I thought it was "Sweet peet"
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9/18/2006 7:32:55 PM
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Alexsdad |
Garden State Pumpkins
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Only clean grass clippings nothing that has been treated with broadleaf killer (2-4-D)..I'm worried that your only adding organics and locking out the soil. Clay is important!For holding up the CE numbers.You gonna have to put in a pile 3 feet high that will be 18 inches come spring. add plenty of compost accelerent and untreated kitty litter if ya must. get the pile Hot! GrowEmBig!
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9/19/2006 8:26:44 AM
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Tremor |
Ctpumpkin@optonline.net
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Thanks Glenn. I was spelling it wrong. Or right depending on ones view.
http://www.sweetpeet.com/where_to_buy/index.htm
While I don't see a Mass distributor I do see that several of my customers are selling the stuff.
I'm sure a similar material must be available.
Like Chuck said, leaves & grass clippings should be composted & then mixed with the soil before growing.
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9/19/2006 11:55:56 PM
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THE BIG E (ERIC) |
Massachusetts
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thanks alot i will go out today and get some grass lcippings and i will get a ton of chopped leaves and some dirt
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10/23/2006 3:09:08 PM
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Total Posts: 13 |
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