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Kansas City, MO

I have been doing my homework and talked to some great growers (Nana Rea has been awesome to visit with!) and I have one pressing question. Currently, I don't have a garden in my yard. I plan to strip the sod and till the 20x20 area. I wanted to know what type of aditives I should add to the soil. I live in Missouri and we have a lot of clay, so drainage can be a bit of an issue.

What are your thoughts on vermiculite, perlite, pro-mix, compost, etc. I know I will probably put some gypsum pellets in to help with the clay unless there is a reason not to.

I should add, I am looking and growing Prizewinner and/or on of Nana Rea's 150Rea pumpkins. Thanks!

3/10/2016 8:31:30 PM

Colorado

Till the sod in its a great cover crop.Yes to perlite,vermiculite holds lots of water so no good with your clay.Compost and promix would be good to loft soil for nutrients and aeration

3/11/2016 12:19:03 AM

aurora, IL

Add gypsum, compost, and maybe manure. Use a broad fork to help break up the subsoil. Also, get a soil test done to know what else you will need.

3/11/2016 10:30:42 PM

Partlow,Va

for 400 sq ft,clay soil in sod for ?a few yrs. Should do well the first year with the natural organics already there.

i would assume there is a ph of 5.5... so 10 lb dom lime to raise the ph about 1.5 points.
then put 30lb 10-10-10,15 lb epsom salt, and 120lbs pellet gypsum for more Ca. I would leave this on the sod until you see it growing good and turning green and then next month till it in 2 to 3 weeks before planting.

3/11/2016 11:04:23 PM

Partlow,Va

...I would also add a 1.5 to 2" layer of a good compost on top of the grass prior to tilling. Do not strip the grass. It is your friend. Best of luck to you this year

3/11/2016 11:11:07 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Lots of people who grow in yards would love to have new soil like that. You'll be surprised how well virgin soil can perform if everything is balanced. I had clay too and lots of digging and mixing with compost and adding gypsum helped significantly. Best of luck.

3/12/2016 5:35:16 PM

Kansas City, MO

Thanks for all of the replies. I appreciate all the help and advice!

3/14/2016 5:57:26 PM