Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I just received the results of my soil test, and need some help. I built a raised bed area last year (6' x12' x 12")and had topsoil delivered, but nothing hardly grew. I sent my soil for testing, and received the following results. The chart showed my calcium and potassium were excessive. It looks like I need to acidify my soil, and add superphosphate. Is superphosphate available at places like a Home Depot or Lowes?
Can anyone make some other recommendations on what I need to add? I live near Charlotte, NC if that matters.
The comments of the analysis stated below. If I add calcium nitrate will that cause way too much calcium?
Analysis notes:
Before planting, broadcast and work into the soil 9 lbs triple superphosphate (0-46-0) and 3 lbs 34-0-0 or 6 lbs calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0) or equivalent fertilizer per 1,000 square feet (or for each 300 feet of row). Three weeks after appearance of first new leaves, apply four inches from base of the plants, either 10 lbs calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0) or 5 lbs 34-0-0 per 300 feet of row in a continuous band.
I think those numbers are for what is needed to be added to the soil and not what's already there. Did you mention the testing folks what you had hoped to grow there?
My DH gave me a garden for Christmas, although it was just concrete blocks and wheelbarrows full of topsoil from the area in the backyard where he was installing a hot tub. It wasn't particularly good soil, but it did fill up the raised bed area. I mixed in a lot of bunny manure since we have rabbits and I'd been saving the "bunny berries" for the garden. This is what bunny manure can do to just average soil in six to seven weeks. This was seeded around the last week of December or the first week of January and the picture was taken in mid-February.
Since the picture was taken, all the bare spots have been filled in and the tomatoes are starting to crowd each other. It is actually over planted, but I've been adding a lot of composted manure so the plants have had enough food. Beans, beets, tomatoes, lettuce, watermelons (escaping the raised bed), two tea plants (camilla sinensus) and a few assorted herbs. We've been eating beets and beans and the tomatoes are now about the size the beans are in the picture and starting to flower. Bunny berries are really good for gardens!
If you can't get bunny berries, try chicken manure if it has been aged. Chicken manure is pretty hot when it's fresh and it might burn the plant roots. Natural manures are much better, IMHO, than chemical fertilizers. They build up the soil's structure which helps plant roots. Here's a webpage with a lot of information about soil and such: http://www.rain.org/global-garden/soil-types-and-testing.htm You can do a lot of your own testing.
One of the best things you can do for your garden is build a compost heap and use natural manures, at least, that's what works best for me, YMMV.
Yeah those PH numbers are quite high. Alkaline soil.
If you are going to garden in the native soil, rather than attempting to significantly alter the PH by adding large quantities of amendments which will have only a moderating effect, probably better to use plants that don't mind an alkaline PH.
Or you could do a contained raised bed garden and fill it with purchased good quality neutral PH soil.
Fighting mother nature is a losing battle. Attempting a large scale alteration to the native PH is not a winning strategy.
Look around at what is growing in the neighborhood. Whatever is in the ground doing well in the area, will probably also do well in your yard.
Rdub,
Go to tractor supply or a nearby feed store and buy ALfalfa pellets.
Yes, the kind that rabbits eat.
Apply liberally all over your soil and dig it in good.
It's about 12 bucks for a 50 lb bag.
Add a whole bag to your soil and water well. The pellets will break up immediately upon water hitting them. (and it smells good).
Don't worry, you aren't going to attract rabbits. LOL!
The Superphosphate is sold at Home Depo or Lowes, it is called Bloom Booster, I use it for my plumerias and put it on my Gerber Daisies and
Dahlias, they love it!
It's about 16.00 for a nice size container and will really last a couple years. Mix with water and sprinkly in.
My soil is horrible. I buy cinderblocks and fill with Miracle Grow Garden soil.
It's alot of work when you first set it up, but the plants grow awesome!
I use Alfalfa pellets on my lawn, trees, shrubs and plants.
You will be totally surprised at how much the alfalfa pellets improve not only your plants, but enrich the soil.
SOme people make alfalfa tea for fertilizing by disolving the pellets inwater in a container and use that for feeding.
I throw mine right in the soil.
Alfalfa containes growth hormones, nitrogen and all kinds of things the little soil bugs love!
Good luck.
Yeah those PH numbers are quite high. Alkaline soil.
If you are going to garden in the native soil, rather than attempting to significantly alter the PH by adding large quantities of amendments which will have only a moderating effect, probably better to use plants that don't mind an alkaline PH.
Or you could do a contained raised bed garden and fill it with purchased good quality neutral PH soil.
Fighting mother nature is a losing battle. Attempting a large scale alteration to the native PH is not a winning strategy.
Look around at what is growing in the neighborhood. Whatever is in the ground doing well in the area, will probably also do well in your yard.
LOL I concur. If the OP does have basic/alkaline soil, it is perfect for Asparagus!
I know because I have acidic soil and planted asparagus by accident. I was attempting to be all "survivalist" by planting perennial veggies, and didn't check the PH requirements before buying THIRTY FIVE roots. Dumda dum dum... But hey OP....Asparagus is perfect for alkaline soil!
You may also be successful w/ other things I'd like to plant such as winter savory and lavender. Both, I believe are alkalinity lovers.
Thanks y'all, I am going to work on getting everything right this week - spring is coming!
I didn't mention that I do have a raised bed, the soil I received was what was the problem. The pH was too high from the start. I will focus on lowering pH immediately and then work on the nutrients and stuff.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I was attempting to be all "survivalist" by planting perennial veggies, and didn't check the PH requirements before buying THIRTY FIVE roots. Dumda dum dum... But hey OP....Asparagus is perfect for alkaline soil! 
they won't grow here)
