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Omaha, Ne.

Is it normal practice to add compost to the garden every year. Or every other year or by percent of organic matter. Also how much should be added per thousand square feet. Thanks

3/1/2014 11:00:02 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Darren, I have added for the last 3 years. My OM % has continually went up according to test results. Not going to add any this year since OM was getting too high and disease is pretty bad. I added a few yards per 1200 square feet the last 3 years but that doesn't mean squat since you'd be adding different compost and our soils are not the same.

3/1/2014 10:34:03 PM

Muddy Waters

Im putting down 50 ydsof compost on about 6000-7000 sg feet.If your adding lots of compost to a clay base soil.I think you will increase your disease pressure.Im no Heavy Hitter but I am getting decent numbers & keeping them healthy.Something that was difficult for me to do in 2010 & 2011 on the kins.Last year I added 5 yards of sand to about 1600 sg feet.I knew without good drainage I was done.So I should have tilled it in better to homogenize the two soils.I will not add anymore sand as my soil looks great now.When I plowed this fall 12 inches deep Im seeing sandy loam in stead of hard clay.So this year with a little sun & warmer temps, The patch should rock.With the better drainage & the beneficial s I hope to grow my first 1800 pouder.Oh what the Hell my first 2000 pounder.Like Ron Wallace says.I'm trying to hit it out of the park.Sand maybe be beneficial for some growers.Just a thought??

3/2/2014 10:26:06 AM

Waterville, Ohio

Mark is right, sand can be very beneficial depending on your soil type. In my case, I added 4yds of sand and 4yds of compost last spring to my clay based patch. You won,t be making concrete as long as you're addressing compaction.

3/2/2014 11:26:59 AM

Muddy Waters

I dont understand the concrete thing,must be the type of sand that is used or you have portland cement in your clay.lol I use mason sand very loose doesnt compact well at all.You cant build a house on sand.The large particles that sand is divides the clay really well.

3/3/2014 7:31:09 AM

Torrance, Ca.

I was using that 50 pound bags that said, " concrete mix " that must of been the problem.

Warming up yet Darren?

3/3/2014 9:13:43 AM

Concord, CA.

So.Cal.Grower,
You would get better results with high strength grout! This makes for great water retention, especially if you were to create a dish shape in the center of your patch!

3/3/2014 10:16:14 AM

Torrance, Ca.

Thanks for the " giant " morning laugh Brad! lol :)


I needed that after the 400 mile drive home yesterday!!!!!!

3/3/2014 10:26:10 AM

Colorado

The 2013 biggest pumpkins were grown in patches with 19%,14%(?gary miller) and 70% organic matter.Some experts say 5 to 10% is ideal. Yes to compost every year-how much isn't an exact science.

3/3/2014 12:56:13 PM

Omaha, Ne.

Nope Chris still sucks here, woke up to -5° But it's supposed to be up to 60 this Sunday. yay!

3/3/2014 6:57:08 PM