annalizing soil - Knowledgebase Question

howard city, Mi
Avatar for pompomso4
Question by pompomso4
June 3, 2009
I have terrible soil.Nothing grows. Where can I g to have it checked, or would I be better off trying to do a container veggie gaden for my first time at gardening?


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Answer from NGA
June 3, 2009
You can have your soil tested by Michigan State University. Here's their website: http://www.css.msu.edu/SPNL/

While you are waiting for the results, you can enrich your soil over a period of years and end up with rich garden loam if you add organic matter. Start this spring by removing all vegetation from the area and spreading 4-5 inches of organic matter over the vegetable bed. You can use compost, aged manure (fresh manure can be too hot and might contain weed seeds), shredded leaves or whatever organic matter is readily available in your local area. Dig or till this organic matter into the soil - 8-10 inches deep. Plant your veggies and mulch over the bare soil between the plants with additional organic matter. A 2-3 inch layer will help suppress weeds and slow water evaporation. At the end of the season dig the organic matter into the soil and add a fresh layer. Repeat this process annually and you'll end up with rich garden loam - and a spectacular vegetable garden. Hope you have a bountiful harvest!

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