The main error most make when planting bulbs, flowers, trees and shrubs is neglecting the soil mix needed. If you are not using organic matter when making your soil, you are losing benefits when it comes to harvesting or enjoying your flowers next year. I have heard of numerous people running to a local garden supply to only grab potting soil or other soil mixes which do not deliver to the plants in the spring time.
Below is an easy to make organic matter soil recipe, which is superb for planting which is generally an all around soil recipe. This organic matter recipe will give you an enriched soil that will assist in ensuring your flowers bloom more flowers and larger harvest of vegetables and fruits.
50% Peat Moss
Sphagnum moss or sedge is partially decomposed aiding in making compost. Great to add to your mix as it is free from weeds and disease organisms as well as its ability to aid in air and water retention. Peat moss is an acidic product which can be reduced via addition of lime.
30% Compost
Consist of decomposed and partially decomposed organic matter. Compost can consist of many different components from grass clippings, leaves… to vegetable scraps… If making your own compost be sure it is PH neutral. Compost also assists in water retention as well as provides nutrients for microorganisms which release nutrients to you plants. Worm Composting is the fastest way to compost and maintain a neutral PH every time.
10% Coarse Sand
Assists in retaining air and water within the soil mix. Be sure to use builders or contractors grade sand which is coarser than play sand and works better. Usually this can be found in the mortar section of your local building supply store.
10% Worm Castings
Worm castings, not to be confused with vermicompost which is compost with some worm castings included. Worm castings also help in water retention but also contain millions of microorganisms which act as a soil activator. This will help produce and release important nutrients to your plants. You can locate worm castings online.
¼ Cup Bone Meal per 5 Gallon Mix
Bone Meal a number of good nutrients for your plants and is a slow release so as not to harm your plants or plant root systems. Phosphates which promote root growth by enabling the sugars made within the leaves to be transported to the root system. Calcium which is lost during the fall when plants lose their leaves… help to cement cell walls together. Lack of new shoots and weak stems are signs of calcium deficiency. Bone Meal is also a low in nitrogen content meaning it will not burn your plants, convert potential flowers into leaves, hence ruining your flowering display.
1/8 Cup Agricultural Lime per 5 Gallon Mix
Lime helps to reduce the acid in soil levels. Being the Peat Moss is acidic; the lime will help neutralize your soil mix. In the event you wish to use a more acidic soil for tomatoes, azalea bushes… you can omit the lime to this mixture.
Now that you have all your ingredients, I usually grind up the Lime to a powder like substance. This enables better mixing but is not necessary.
Mix the dry Peat Moss, Coarse Sand, Bone Meal and Lime if utilizing the latter. Be sure to mix well.
Next, add the Worm Castings. Once thoroughly mixed add your Compost and mix thoroughly again.
Using a good organic matter soil will ensure you reap the benefits of your labor next spring!
Bruce Galle
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