Soil Problems

What kind of soil is most adaptable for general gardening? Any well-conditioned soil which would grow a crop of corn.

Is there any way to change the condition of a poor soil? Unless the soil condition is extremely unfavorable, it can be improved to the extent that it will produce good crops. The addition of plenty of organic matter is a basic need.

I am planning my first garden. How do I go about preparing the land for it? Add manure (600 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.); or 5 bales peat moss (50 bushels) per 1,000 sq. ft.; fertilize it with a good complete garden fertilizer, 30 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.; lime it (if test shows need).

Is it advisable to apply lime and commercial fertilizer through the winter on the snows for early melting and absorption? Lime and commercial fertilizers, for some crops, can be applied in the fall, but in most cases they are more economically applied in the spring. Chemical fertilizers leach out and are lost over winter.

Are wood ashes as good or better than coal ashes for the garden? Under what conditions should each be used? Wood ashes and coal ashes serve two distinct purposes - the former adds potash, the latter improves mechanical condition of soil.

If annuals are cut off at the ground in fall, instead of being pulled out, will the soil benefit by decomposition of the roots? Yes.

In clearing off my vegetable plot, I burned the old tomato vines. Does this in any way injure the soil for next year's crop? No. It really should be of benefit.

What can I do to improve tough, gummy black virgin soil? I have added sand. Not enough added. Apply a 3-in. layer of compost or peat moss. Fertilizer will also help.

What is best treatment for a soil that does not produce root crops? It probably is too heavy; lighten with organic materials and cinders. It can lack phosphorus and potassium, which can be added in the form of superphosphate and potassium chloride.

Our soil is a heavy black gumbo and bakes badly. Should I use manure, sand, sawdust, or peat moss? For long-lasting improvement, incorporate 2 to 3 ins. of peat moss, a mixture of half peat moss and half coarse sawdust, plus 2 ins. of coarse sand, many of whose particles are 1/16 to 1/8-in. in diameter.

How can I make a hard-packed, black alkali soil friable and productive? (Nevada.) Sulfur must be added to neutralize the alkali. If not, soil must be drained by use of tile. Add compost or peat moss to loosen soil.