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Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

I just got my soil analysis back - my organic matter is at 3.9%. How do I increase the % OM? I can't add leaf compost, as I can't find a local source. Is it too late to add other types of compost? If so, what type would be recommended?

3/20/2014 4:15:19 PM

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

By the way - I just moved to a new house in the last week, so I am creating a new pumpkin patch out of what used to be the yard. In other words, I did not have a chance to add any amendments last fall.

3/20/2014 4:17:17 PM

Bethlehem CT

Peat moss will work.

3/20/2014 6:21:49 PM

Partlow,Va

I would not be too concerned with it. You can do more harm than good at this point in my opinion. Work on everything else. Many large kins have been grown in soil less than 3.9 OM.

3/20/2014 9:28:39 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Assuming your soil is partly acidic as it has never been worked before, spent mushroom soil is a great choice. It is inexpensive, will raise your pH slightly, and add plenty of OM and nutrient. Make sure it has been used in the mushroom house already and that it has aged outdoors and uncovered for 9 months.

3/21/2014 10:22:15 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

If you can find municipal compost that is not full of herbicides, you can add that. Use the radish seed test that other growers have suggested to test for herbicides. If the radishes grow the compost is OK. I just wish my OM tested that high last fall.

3/21/2014 1:21:32 PM

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Thanks for the help! I will probably leave well enough alone for now. If I do anything, it will be the mushroom compost. I do have access to that. I would want to test it before using, and would want to be careful about the salt.

3/22/2014 4:03:49 PM