Horticulture Hotline 11/21/16
By Bill Lamson-Scribner
Fall is for planting, so here is a recipe for amending the
soil for flower beds. You could use the same recipe for trees and shrubs with
some slight modification. If possible, test soil first then amend the soil
according to the soil test. Next try the amendments listed below. Wait 10 days
to plant, if possible.
Amend whole area not just the hole! With trees and shrubs do
not till deeper than the root ball of the plants you are planting. Once the
amendments settle you do not want your plant planted too deep. This recipe is based on per 100 sq. ft. of
planting area:
·
Mule Mix – 200 lbs. per 100 sqft. Mule Mix is super-heated calcified clay. Mule Mix helps improve drainage and reduces
compaction. Mule Mix will last in the
soil for over 20 years. The particle can
hold its weight in water and then releases it slowly as the plant needs
it. We have used this product to correct
many water issues (too wet and too dry) over the years.
·
Bolster 04-04-04 Sustane – 2.5 lbs. per 100
sqft. This product will increases
fertilizer efficiency and improves soil biology. It contains mycorrhiza spores increasing the
ability for the roots absorb nutrients and water. Also contains biostimulants
and iron.
·
SeaHume – 1.5 lbs. per 100 sqft. Humic acid and
seaweed. Super product for establishing plants. Stimulates growth of beneficial
microorganisms and root growth. Over 60 minor nutrients, amino acids,
gibberellins and much, much more.
·
Cotton Burr Compost – (4) 3 cu.ft. bags per 100
sq.ft. (sandy soil, increase to (6) bags).
Cotton Burr Compost is nature’s perfect soil conditioner. The cotton boll (burr) is full of nutrients
and will not tie up nitrogen like wood and wood-based soil amendments. It will loosen up clay soils and add water
holding capacities to sandy soils.
Cotton Burr is an excellent food source for beneficial soil organisms
that help make nutrients available to plants, aerate the soil and helps keep
harmful organisms and diseases in check.
·
Flower Bed Amendment – (5) 1 cu.ft. bags per 100
sqft (in sand, increase to (8) bags).
This product not only contains Cotton Burrs, but also composted cattle
manure, feather meal, cotton seed meal and alfalfa meal. Alfalfa meal is high in nitrogen and contains
Triacantanol, a natural root growth enhancer, and may help in the suppression
and control of certain fungal diseases.
Mix these products together and
till into 6-8 inches of soil. With clay
soil, you should have 1/3 amendments and 2/3 clay. With sandy soil, it should be ½ amendments
and ½ sand. For trees and shrubs adjust depth according to root ball size.
After tilling the bed, top dress
with (4) bags of Natures Blend and then (2) bags of Cotton Burr Compost. For
annuals cap it off with one pound of 17-00-09. Plant annuals through this area.
With this mixture, every time you water your plants are getting a “compost tea”
full of nutrients.
Test your soil after 30 days and
add any other amendments that your soil test indicates you need.
Always read, understand and follow product label. The
product label is a Federal Law.
