I've had some small gardens in pots that did well, but this year I expanded to about 10 raised garden beds. To save on costs, I bought some cheap garden soil from Walmart and mixed it with a compost/manure mix. Now that I've set everything up and planted, I've noticed the soil is really dense and compact. I'm worried it'll hurt my plants. Can I salvage the soil without pulling everything up this year? Or should I just accept that this year is a loss?
3 Answers
Try mixing in some peat moss or coir around your plants; they’ll help with drainage and improve the soil over time. Just be cautious if you’re dealing with blueberries, as peat moss can be tricky for them. Also, perlite is a great option for improving soil drainage!
You might be fine! Just break up the surface and ensure water isn't running off to the sides. Mulching is key; it keeps moisture in and prevents the soil from hardening. Give your plants a chance, and turn the mulch and spent plants under at the end of the season. That way, the soil conditions will improve on their own over time!
Exactly! And don't forget to use something that breaks down quickly, like leaves or straw – wood chips can take longer to decompose.
You're probably stuck with the current soil this year, but don't stress too much! You can always amend it next year. For now, consider adding some worms to your beds; they can really help with aeration! Honestly, the plants are likely to survive, and with a bit of care, they'll improve next season. Just remember, every gardener faces challenges, so don't worry too much if things don't go perfectly this year.
Exactly! It’s all about learning from the process. Plus, even if some plants struggle, others might thrive. Just enjoy your garden journey!
Good to know! I was worried about the peat moss issue. I'll stick to coir and perlite instead.