Zone 7 garden

[Esposla]

So much information here!!! I have my homework for the weekend.
Thank you.

[Esposla]

Hi. I’ve been busy tending garden and visiting local nursery. What an assortment to choose from.
Tested the soil, came back as 6.7 ph, Medium phosphorus. I’m keeping a list of all the plants with their facts (height, spacing, etc.) and have a drawn out plan.
Using a book on southeast gardening-very helpful.
Here’s 2 pics. And path is an idea, not done yet.
And need couple more small bushes.

[Esposla]

[Esposla]

When I retire next year, I hope to spend more time here

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by Esposla

When I retire next year, I hope to spend more time here

That is awesome! Exactly something I'd like to do. Thanks for the ideas. Especially transitioning where the lawn and dirt meet

[Esposla]

Thank you. Glad you like it,
Today I planted 2 tomatoes (careful to keep away from rosemary-they don’t like each other I heard). And a red pepper-they like rosemary.
Now I need rain.

[Esposla]

Got the rain! Yayy.
Should I add the mulch now to to this 30x10 foot bed? Wait or not use mulch at all?
Most plants were planted expecting to add mulch.

[L00k4ward]

Originally Posted by creeksitter

Peat moss could make it too acidic.

Wood chips from a tree company is good - preferably oak. And sand is good for that clay soil. Don't dig the soil when it is wet or it will turn into brick.

Best to talk to the extension agent. Are you planning to go organic?

What part of Tennessee? It's a great state to be a gardener.

Adding sand to clay soil creates concrete like soil - impossible to garden!

https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs...-soil-drainage

A lot of people call their garden soil clay - but perhaps it isn’t so: it could be silty soils.

You can do an easy test at home: a jar test - takes long.

The easiest and the fastest is so called “ribbon” test to determine if your soil is sandy, silty or clayey:

How-to photos in the link

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/...fig4_276417142

Detailed Interpretation of a ribbon test and a jar test description

https://growitbuildit.com/testing-so...l-ribbon-test/

Clay soil if treated properly by the gardener is actually excellent soil - with good nutrients profile and water/nutrients holding capacity

[Esposla]

Thank you l00kforward.
The soil is not as easy to work with, but seems to be working out well.
The broccoli is growing well and basil and oregano too.
Just the roses need help.

I did go to extension office to test soil. 6.7 ph.