Gardening in Atlanta (home, to buy, subdivision)

[MsTia]

This may seem like a silly question, but I heard that because of the "red" soil, it was hard to grow anything. Therefore it sounds like one must depend on bought soil completely for a garden. (I'm new to gardening) Is this true? Is it difficult to grow a sizable garden (not potted) in ones yard? Or plant fruit trees/vines or various plants like flowers, veggies like collards, tomatoes, aloe, or herbs? Just curious. Also, does it depend on area?

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by MsTia

This may seem like a silly question, but I heard that because of the "red" soil, it was hard to grow anything. Therefore it sounds like one must depend on bought soil completely for a garden. (I'm new to gardening) Is this true? Is it difficult to grow a sizable garden (not potted) in ones yard? Or plant fruit trees/vines or various plants like flowers, veggies like collards, tomatoes, aloe, or herbs? Just curious. Also, does it depend on area?

Walter Reeves is a local expert on gardening and he can be heard on 750 AM/WSB radio on Saturday AM--IIRC around 8AM, The GA Gardener>>>>
Walter Reeves - Home of Atlanta Georgia's Southern Gardener - Glossary of Terms

One Saturday I heard him say that the potting soil available at most stores was worthless, devoid of nutrients as it is taken from swampland.

There is plenty of gardening in the red clay of GA. I believe this is Zone 6A or 6 B and many things grow well here. Water has become a scarce commodity so you may want to take that into consideration.

[BobKovacs]

A decent garden practically anywhere is going to require amending the soil- there's very few places in the country where you'd want to just dig a hole and plant your plants, unless you happen to have a very thick later of topsoil. That said, yes, you're probably going to need to do some work to the soil, especially if you're in a newer subdivision- the builders tend to just grade off the existing soil and throw down sod and pine straw, with no topsoil at all. Luckily, the bermuda sod that most use can grow in the clayey soil.

If you want to grow a thriving garden in a minimal amount of space, check out "Square Foot Gardening". The concept was originated around 20 years ago, and my father used it. The author used to have a PBS show on the subject, and recently updated his book. My daughter and I are going to do a SF garden this spring, and the amount of stuff you can grow in a 4'x8' space is truly amazing.

[RoslynHolcomb]

Red clay can be amended and you don't have to buy potting soil, just do your own compost. Composting is not nearly as complicated as most people make it out to be. It's literally black gold and can transform any red clay into nutrient-rich soil in no time. We did this at our previous house, and we'll do it at this one as well.

[pinetreelover]

Originally Posted by RoslynHolcomb

Red clay can be amended and you don't have to buy potting soil, just do your own compost. Composting is not nearly as complicated as most people make it out to be. It's literally black gold and can transform any red clay into nutrient-rich soil in no time. We did this at our previous house, and we'll do it at this one as well.

Roslyn is right - soil amendment is easily accomplished with compost. If compost is not an option, go for something simple and organic like manure. Not only are you trying to improve the nutritional value of the soil, but you also need to improve the physical properties of the soil. Clay is clunky and manure or compost helps to loosen it for root growth.

[Seed N Harvest]

Georgia has one of the best climates for producing veggies year round. Check out www.seednharvest.com

[mezzogirl]

We are Zone 7 not 6. We make compost in the backyard and grow all sorts of vegetables, flowers, and have planted several fruit trees and shrubs. Georgia has a fantastic growing season.