Flower Soil Problems

What type of soil is best for a mixed flower border? A sandy loam, slightly acid (pH 6.5) in reaction, with manure, compost, or peat moss worked in.

My annuals and perennials grow tall and spindly. Could this be due to over-fertilization, lack of sun, or lack of some fertilizer element? The garden site receives sunlight half the day. The spindling growth of annuals and perennials may be due to lack of sunlight, improper fertilization, or other factors; or to any combination of them. Give as much sunlight as possible; improve the drainage and aeration of the soil; increase the phosphorus and potash in relation to nitrogen in the fertilizer used. A fertilizer low in nitrogen may be best for a few years.

Why do plants grow thin and scraggly? What is lacking in soils that produce such growth? Lack of balanced nutrition. Usually an addition of complete fertilizer will help. Drainage should be good. Calcium (lime or gypsum) may be needed to make good roots. Test your soil.

My flowers grow very poorly, and usually die before long. What causes this? The chances are your soil lacks fertility, moisture hold capacity, and aeration. Additions of humus and fertilizers should correct these handicaps.

How can you keep soil in good condition in the grimy atmosphere of big cities? Adequate drainage should be provided. A periodic soil test will determine the amount of lime necessary to maintain the correct soil reaction.

Do soil conditions cause double-flowered cosmos to be single? Doubling of flowers is a hereditary tendency. Soil conditions rarely have any effect. Improper selection of seed is the usual cause. Many flowers never come 100% double from seed.

Are earthworms harmful or beneficial in the garden? I find in a short time they eat all humus in the soil the same as they do when they get into flower pots. Earthworms are not harmful in outdoor soils, unless present in very unusual numbers. In the greenhouse of in pot plants they are a nuisance. If too numerous, apply 5 lbs. of arsenate of lead to 1,000 sq. ft. and water in.

Would a garden plot laid out on the edge of a lake be satisfactory? And how would one get it in condition? Yes. Add compost or peat moss at a rate of 300 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Humus content is likely to be low.