Message Board - BigPumpkins.com

Massachusetts

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)

9/16/2006 11:44:36 PM

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.

9/17/2006 10:35:29 AM

Massachusetts

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.

9/18/2006 6:28:04 AM

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

9/18/2006 7:15:03 AM

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.

9/18/2006 7:19:19 AM

Laflamme Consulting Group Inc
35 Old Belden Hill Rd
Wilton, CT 06897
(203) 762-0557

This might be the right location & phone number.

9/18/2006 7:22:31 AM

YIKES!!!

Don't call that location in Wilton. It's the wrong Laflamme.

9/18/2006 11:00:41 AM

Massachusetts

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?

9/18/2006 3:02:39 PM

Bohica (Tom)

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

get a soil analysis

9/18/2006 4:26:39 PM

LIpumpkin

Long Island,New York

I thought it was "Sweet peet"

9/18/2006 7:32:55 PM

Alexsdad

Garden State Pumpkins

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!

9/19/2006 8:26:44 AM

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.

9/19/2006 11:55:56 PM