How can I amend my garden soil?

Last season my garden started out alright, but now it just isn't doing as well. I did a soil test and the pH was 6.0-7.0, the nitrogen was very low, Phosphorus was low, and the potash was low-medium. (Ferry Morse kit) I did have some tree choppings as a cover for weeds, and I assume that they sucked the nitrogen out of the soil. Right now I have chopped leaves and grass over the garden now. Hopefully it will compost. I also added some coffee grounds. Is there anything else I can add?





I am hoping to plant some crocus, daffofils, hyacynth, phlox, daylillies, raspberries, and grapes. (Herbs thrown in there somewhere too) I know it is an odd mixture, but is there a way I can make the soil suitable for all of the plants?

How can I amend my garden soil?
The leaves and grass should help considerably, but if there is any way you can lay your hands on some manure, cow, horse, rabbit, whatever, it would be a good idea to get some now, this fall, and till it in. By spring it will be perfect to plant. The coffee grounds are good, but if you can start a compost pile, that would be the best thing you can do. Any vegetable kitchen scraps can be put in it, egg shells, practically anything except meat scraps. Look up a good web site on compost making and it will give you all the instructions. If you can buy some composted cotton burr, that is one of the best things you can do with your soil. As you have discovered, wood chips pull nitrogen out of the soil as it decomposes, that is why manure helps, it puts it back. Most nurserys have it that you can buy by the bag, or by the tractor scoop if you have a pickup, or if you can find a farmer to give you some, all the better. Some wood ashes are good for potash, but don't overdo it.


You may have to wait until next fall to plant your bulbs, but if you work on the soil over the winter, it should be ready to plant the other things in the spring.
Reply:Organic materials are fine, maybe some cow manure, peat moss but when it comes to different plants yo need to know their individual soil requirements. Some like acid, some neutral, some alkaline, so do your homework. Not one soil will do for all plants...enjoy.
Reply:Start the composting pile elsewhere. Composting uses the soil nutrients if it is setting on the ground. When the composting process is finished, take the compost and till it into the soil.





You can make a continuous composting unit of a few old tires. Just start building it up and you will soon be getting compost out the bottom.





In the meanwhile, it looks like fertilizer time. I know where to take a sample here for analysis and recommendations. Check with the local Cooperative Extension office.
Reply:My favorite amendment is mushroom compost, you can usually find it at your local garden store. It works great and unlike manure it has no weed seeds.