Q&A: New Garden in Clay Soil Question: What should I mix with my clay to make my garden flourish? The soil is workable, but it has a reddish color and is a bit stiff. Should I use sand, or peat moss?
Answer: First of all, work in your garden only when it is reasonably dry. If you work clay soil while it's wet, it can set up like brick. Adding sand to clay soil can make conditions even worse. Organic matter, and lots of it, is the best cure for clay soil. Sources of organic matter include aged livestock manure, leaves, grass clippings, and the like. Peat moss will work, but other sources mentioned here are often free. You can pile them on top or till them in. If you do the latter, you should wait for several weeks before planting to allow time for the material to break down. Compost is another key ingredient for improving soil, so start composting your kitchen scraps, shredded newspaper, and yard waste. |
Q&A: Increasing Coneflower Planting Question: I'd like to increase my purple coneflower planting. Should I just let the seeds fall, or do I need to collect them and start them indoors. What is the proper method for dividing coneflowers, and when is it best to do it?
Answer: The easiest way to increase your planting is to let the flowers go to seed and self-sow. They are prolific self seeders and the resulting baby plants can be moved easily in the summer or early fall. You can also collect the seed and sow them indoors in early spring.
If you want to divide existing plants, do so in early spring as soon as you see the plant beginning to sprout. The easiest method is to dig up the entire rootball and slice it into sections that are about 4 inches in diameter. Be sure to water the plant well the day before you divide it, replant the sections immediately, and water them in well. |
Tip: Sheet Compost Sheet compost fallen leaves and grass clippings this fall. Shred disease-free plants, leaves, and grass clippings with a lawn mower. Layer this organic mixture 6 inches deep over the entire garden, then till. |
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