Citrus in alkaline soil
12 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (14)
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
Related Discussions
Questions about Fertilizing And Ph..
Comments (19)Hi, Peter, I add organics to my yard/garden all the time :-) As far as the water bringing the acidic bark or peat into a favorable range... I don't think it would be enough, soon enough. Better, in my opinion, to include the Calcium and Magnesium (in the form of Lime) at the start, and then "neutralize" the water in the fertigating solution later (if needed). As for peat-based mixes, there's a whole host of reasons to avoid them, uneven wetting and drying sharing the top spot on the list with the fine particle size that compacts easily. As a result of the uneven wetting and drying and compaction, roots are often choked off or dry off when pockets of soil dry, compact, and shrink around the roots. When re-potting and attempting to remove old peat-based soil from a plant, the compaction of the mix leads to serious root-trauma/root-loss - even when the old mix has been softened with a warm bottom-watering/soaking. Peat-based soils are also difficult to properly flush, and this can cause excessive salt build-up during the Winter when heavy watering of peat leads to weeks of soggy potting mix. The final reason, in my opinion, to avoid peat-based mixes is the foul tea-colored effluent that flows out of the mix when watered. This effluent stains carpets, tables, decks, concrete, et cetera. I prefer a clean growing experience. Josh...See MoreMagnolia in alkaline soil
Comments (6)When I went to WSU in the 70's there were a few saucer magnolias that looked normal growing on the campus, in one spot next to one of the buildings. The dominant ecosystem around there was grassland steppe (long since converted to wheat production) with some woody vegetation along streams. And on hills high enough to catch enough cloud borne moisture to support the extremely drought tolerant ponderosa pine, with grand fir on north facing slopes of places like Steptoe Butte. The one flowering dogwood on campus was planted in an artificial island surrounded by a pool which was itself enclosed by architecture. So we are talking enhanced humidity plus shading and wind protection. With your similarly low rainfall you are going to have the same kind of general situation, that is one where humid climate plants like magnolias, pawpaw etc. will be affected by arid summer conditions. The Yakima Area Arboretum does have a substantial collection of trees of various types but these are all planted on acres of what is visibly heavily watered lawns. You might want to order any copies you can find offered of The Garden of Joy by Searles. The theme is that plant interest can be enjoyed even in the inter-mountain region with the majority of the content being about various suitable kinds, including woody ones. And there is the Sunset Western Garden Book (currently New Western Garden Book) with its climate maps where you can find your location, accompanying plant encyclopedia with climate zones indicated for each. Also visit any sizable college campuses, Cooperative Extension Service demonstration gardens and so on in your area to see what they have going, how these seem to be doing....See MoreHardy table grapes for alkaline soil
Comments (5)I'd have to amend a lot of soil, and it would need to keep being done, so I'm not going to do that. I try to to keep things low maintenance. No blueberries for me here. Though maybe someday in pots ... I decided to try Somerset and Reliance to start. They've been grown in the Rockies. I found them at WalMart, cheap, supposedly 2-year-old plants. But I probably won't know for a year or two if I got what I paid for. The first "Reliance" I got had a Flame Seedless tag on it when I took it out of the bag!...See MoreSuggestions for native tree, zone 6, alkaline soil, full sun
Comments (11)Great suggestions! First I have heard of the American smoketree. We're in southern Ohio so that doesn't typically grow in this area, so I will have to look to see if we have the right soil type. Definitely intrigued though! One that I am considering is the green hawthorn (Crataegus Viridis), often sold as "Winter King." Seems pretty tolerant of various soil types and full sun and good for wildlife, year round interest. Downside, given its name... thorns. Last fall, we did plant some of the suggested trees in other parts of the yard where there's naturally loamy soil and protection from the afternoon summer sun - carpus carolina (american hornbeam), fringe tree, franklin tree, serviceberry, and Magnolia Acuminata subcordata (a dwarf variation of cucumber tree). We'll see how some of them do in our more alkaline soil but there are lots of healthy flowering dogwoods and magnolias growing in our neighborhood, so there's hope. :)...See More- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
- 6 years ago
- 6 years ago
- 6 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESGrow a Beautiful Garden in Alkaline Soil
Got alkaline soil? Learn how to manage it and the many beautiful plants that will thrive in this ‘sweet’ soil
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHave Acidic Soil in Your Yard? Learn to Love Gardening Anyway
Look to acid-loving plants, like conifers and rhododendrons, to help your low-pH garden thrive
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGet the Dirt on Your Garden’s Soil
Understand how your soil supports your plants so you can ensure your garden’s success
Full StoryFARM YOUR YARDHow to Get Good Soil for Your Edible Garden
The nutrients in your soil feed the plants that feed you. Here are tips on getting it right — just in time for planting season
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGardening Solutions for Heavy Clay Soils
What’s a gardener to do with soil that’s easily compacted and has poor drainage? Find out here
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Pick a Mulch — and Why Your Soil Wants It
There's more to topdressing than shredded wood. Learn about mulch types, costs and design considerations here
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil
Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHouzz TV: Make a Worm Bin for Rich Soil and Happy Plants
A worm-powered compost bin that can fit under a sink turns food scraps into a powerful amendment for your garden. Here’s how to make one
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Keep Your Citrus Trees Well Fed and Healthy
Ripe for some citrus fertilizer know-how? This mini guide will help your lemon, orange and grapefruit trees flourish
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESSpring Citrus Care Reaps Months of Sweet Rewards
Learn how to tend citrus trees in spring and ways to preserve their delicious fruit
Full Story
cebury