I planted a vegetable garden in a raised row about 9 or 10 inches high, I turned the soil really good, removed large chunks of clay, and added a small amount (it was all I had) of miracle grow top soil. Now after researching I should have added A LOT more soil or compost. Being that my garden is already planted, will my garden even grow, or is there anything I can do to fix the soil???
What kind, and how often do I give my garden food without killing it? Is ‘plant food’ fertilizer?
Well, Kelly, the garden you have now should grow, but it will not be as productive as it could be. Once the harvest is over try to till the raised bed into the clay, along with as much organic matter as possible. Next spring, plant a green manure crop and let it grow for a few weeks, till it into the soil and wait a couple of weeks for it to begin decomposing. Then, plant your garden as usual. In the fall, incorporate more organic matter. If you do not have a tiller you can rent one, or find someone who will let you borrow theirs or do the tilling for you. Once you have incorporated the organic matter the clay will loosen up and allow for a better garden and better yields.
Good luck and enjoy!
lots of compose soil will help u’r soil.. U have to cure it well so to speak. It took us several yrs of every year putting in manure & good compose soil to get it finally rt. They make this stuff by Super soil that Home Depot & Walmart carry that amends clay soil… meanwhile… it should grow but u make sure u give it some garden food… & next year just keep adding more & more composite soil to get it better & better.
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live in clay soil also….. where u use a PICk to dig.
yes your garden will grow but slowly. i also have clay soil and have made the same mistake – not mixing enough topsoil or compost into clay. i helped my garden along by frequent pland food feedings and u may want to place bark mulch over the garden to keep the top soil moist. at the end of the season i would mulch the bed and mulch again in the spring to help break down the clay. good luck
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if you tread the sole, it will be ok. clay is not so good for garden ,must be Mix with other soils
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You should mix in all the nutrient rich material you can like peat moss, sphagnum, leaf grow, compost or manure, etc or any combo you like. There are so many different soil conditioners to choose from. Your soil, for best results should look almost black. They even sell Garden Soil at Walmart with everything in it for us lazy gardeners. I turn over and mix down at least 6 inches. Your garden will grow but it might struggle so mix in as much as you can without disturbing what’s already growing. The roots will find the nutrients. You can also water often with plant food to get down to the roots. Good Luck with your garden. It is a very rewarding hobby.
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Well, Kelly, the garden you have now should grow, but it will not be as productive as it could be. Once the harvest is over try to till the raised bed into the clay, along with as much organic matter as possible. Next spring, plant a green manure crop and let it grow for a few weeks, till it into the soil and wait a couple of weeks for it to begin decomposing. Then, plant your garden as usual. In the fall, incorporate more organic matter. If you do not have a tiller you can rent one, or find someone who will let you borrow theirs or do the tilling for you. Once you have incorporated the organic matter the clay will loosen up and allow for a better garden and better yields.
Good luck and enjoy!
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Compost is great, The best natural thing for fruit trees is Pine needles, put them around your fruit trees and they will do the best you have ever saw!*
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Botanical Gardens&Landscaper
A lot depends on the clay content of your soil. Since you’ve planted already, and didn’t list your plants, I’d suggest you do a web search on each plant to check its preferred soil. This fall put A BUNCH of compost n your beds before your next planting. Los Angeles County has program for mulch. Check the web for the location nearest you. Using mulch around your plants will help some too. Each crop has different feeding requirements, If you can use organic ONLY, it’s best for the plants and for you! I have several sites booked marked if you need them contact me thru the group.
Good growing!
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