Gardens in TN and different dirt/clay (living, garden)

[mbmouse]

Hello all,
I know, I post a lot about what I have experienced since living here in TN and try to answer as many questions as I can for folks looking to move or visit east TN, but this time I have a question for anyone else who lives here in East TN.
I am having a problem with things growing in my yard, whether it be decorative plants or veggies. Everything is stunted. Short, small. No matter if I keep them watered and fertilized, everything is stunted. Healthy, but very small. Example, all of you see the peonies that are now about past, those nice big bushes that are about 2 and a half feet tall and think, beautiful big flowers that are about 4 inches in width.....well, mine are only 6 inches tall and 2 stalks a piece, maybe 6 leaves total. This is the second year of the bulbs. They are not growing any higher or wider. They came up great then stopped, haven't changed in a month.
Tomatoes I grew last year...I bought them started, about 6 inches high, planted them. they never grew any more than that.They didn't die, they just didn't grow or produce flowers.
We have more clay than dirt. I mix a lot of bagged top soil and a bit of manure in any bed that I make, turn everything over really good at least a foot deep if not two, plant then cover with mulch and fertilize with Miracle Grow. My petunias are about the only things that seem to grow at a normal rate, everything else seems to be stunted. Any suggestions? I know I need to bring a soil sample to an extension office, but well, today is Sunday so I thought I would ask here and see if anyone had any suggestions.

[hiknapster]

Well, all my plants are growing like gangbusters, but they are in pots!

[alleycat]

Have you noticed any coloration change to the leaves?

Of the major minerals, a lack of phosphorus could be the culprit; of the trace elements, a lack of calcium could cause the problem.

Another question, have you used the amount of Miracle Grow recommended, or did you add extra (on the theory that if some is good, more is better)?

[Bear Creek]

It sounds like the soil. No sure, but you may need compost in addition to the manure. And make sure the vegatables are in the sun.

[mbmouse]

Originally Posted by alleycat

Have you noticed any coloration change to the leaves?

Of the major minerals, a lack of phosphorus could be the culprit; of the trace elements, a lack of calcium could cause the problem.

Another question, have you used the amount of Miracle Grow recommended, or did you add extra (on the theory that if some is good, more is better)?

No, no discoloration of the leaves, no spots. Used Miracle Grow exactly as directed. Last year I used the kind you mix up by the gallon. After further research I beginning to believe it is a lack of nitrogen. The Miracle Grow I used this year is the sustained release pellets and it is a 10-10-10. I am going to leave it for a few weeks and see if there is a change, if not, any one have any suggestions on how to increase just the nitrogen levels?
To the other posters question, yes the veggies were in the sun.
Hiknapster, thanks for rubbing it in!!! LOL! I too am going to put tomatoes and hearbs in pots this year until I fix this soil problem.

[alleycat]

I'd have to look it up to be sure, but I think if it was a lack of nitrogen, the leaves would be a lighter green, even yellow-green on parts of the plants.

If you did need to add nitrogen, you could apply a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content such as a 30-0-0.

[Tek_Freek]

Have you added any sand to the mix?

Normally if the plant looks okay (color, no spots, not dropping leaves, etc) but it's not growing that means the plant (even a small plant) is root bound.

Here's what happens: You dig a hole that is usually 2 times (or smaller) the width of the plant ball at most. You fill it full of good soil, fertilizer, etc and water the heck out of it.

The result: The plant roots have absolutely no incentive to leave the hole you dug. The walls of the hole are clay, and if it was wet, even damp, when you dug the hole it's closer to concrete in consistency. Tough to break through, especially when everything the plant wants is in the hole

The solution: Dig a bigger hole, say 3x the plant ball, then take Fruit Tree Fertilizer Stakes (don't substitute a different kind!) and break them into small pieces. Put them in the ground in a circle about 6 inches out from the hole and 6 inches or less apart. Farther out and farther apart for larger plants. We did 1/2 stakes 12" out and 12" apart for a 4" diameter tree. Did that for two years then moved the stakes out 12" for two more. Worked like a charm.

Get those roots out of their comfortable little nest!

[GrannyLois]

mb, that sounds like my gardening experiences in Texas when I lived there. I eventually gave up. But in Tennessee? It is so fertile compared to Texas ... I've never quite gotten over it. I hope I never take it for granted.

As far as your plants, I have no idea. Something is definitely wrong, and I would say it's the soil. Although I have to say that I am having some trouble with transplanted plants this year because of the heat and drought we're having. If I don't water them at least every other day, they shrivel up - and some of them are not growing at all in one particular spot in my yard.

When I plant from seed, rather than transplant, they do better. You might experiment with that. It's not too late to plant seeds, but it's getting there ...

[heer]

Use of fertilizers do help plant for major minerals, phosphorus & the trace elements. to have good growth .

[Michgoner]

mbmouse , I agree that the ground has to be worked up real fine , with compost , or sand . When I was in Michigan , I had heavy clay . I had sandy loam soil bought into My garden spot . I worked it in with the clay with a culivator and got real good results .