using a tiller? (beginner's questions!)

[J&Em]

Originally Posted by no kudzu

I'm sure this is sold under different names around the country but this is what I've always used. I sometimes use it for mulch at the beginning of the season and work it in at the end.

Nature's Helper :: The Premium Soil Amendment

I've used the same or similar formulations. The landscaper who put in my "large" landscaping (trees, shrubs) also used it (or a similar commercial grade version) when putting in the landscapes and basic garden shapes. I've dug some every year in at least some part of the garden and would recommend it, too.

Originally Posted by TinaMcG

I can't tell from the website, but is that the newish expanded-shale product? I have heard it's very good -- even from the county Extension agent!

No it is not the expanded shale product. That can be invaluable with heavy clay soils and should be seen more and more in the next few years as word gets out. It allows for better water retention and aeration and has even been tested in containers with success.

Originally Posted by no kudzu

Nothing new about it. I've used it for decades and I think it is ground pine bark. It's essential as far as I'm concerned.

As far as I know while the exact mixture percentages are a trade secret it is thought to be more or less an even mix of composted organic material and well ground up mulch or pine and/or hardwoods (often referred to as "fines") and that is what it looks like and smells, mostly well ground up mulch.