Will Heavy Metal Switch grass look good here?
Sandra Matula
8 years ago
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Sandra Matula
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Espoma's Garden-tone has arsenic and heavy metals?
Comments (20)Thank you for your interest in learning more about hazardous and other industrial wastes in fertilizer. It has only been in recent years that the public has become aware of this method of disposal, and only then because of the persistence of a few Washington farmers, a small town mayor and the outstanding investigative skills of a Seattle Times� reporter Duff Wilson. The resulting investigative series 'Fear in the Fields: How Hazardous Waste Becomes Fertilizer' was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize for public service reporting. Duff Wilson's book 'Fateful Harvest, the True Story of a Small Town, a Global Industry and a Toxic Secret' was published in 2001 just days before the attacks of September 11, 2001. Needless to say, the book was overshadowed by the tragic events of 9/11. As you enter this site to learn more, keep in mind that our children bear a disproportionate burden of the consequences from toxins released into the environment. While we cannot claim this method of disposal is the cause of the rise in childhood health problems, it may be a contributing factor. The most recently released Food and Drug Administration�s Total Diet Study for the period 1991-96 would seem to support at least cause for concern, recording a 50% rise in dietary arsenic since 1986 for both toddlers (2 year olds) and adults age 60-65 and a doubling of dietary arsenic for toddlers between 1984 and 1996.[1] We are at a point in history, where the silent majority � those who care about the environment and children�s health � can no longer afford to remain silent. The consequences of environmental change are all around us, and like 'canaries in the coal mine' our children are paying the price as sentinels. Statistics on childhood illnesses since 1980 are staggering. Asthma has increased 142%; cancer continues to rise at 1% per year; birth defects are rising; and 17% of all children under age 19 have some form of developmental disability[2]. Even the EPA acknowledges the 'probable cause' is 'environmental toxins' and that most likely the damage is being done in-utero. We have a unique opportunity to unite behind this issue that literally affects every one of us, and send a clear message to our elected officials that we want nothing less than a clean environment, and healthful food. I implore you to get involved and stay involved until this method of disposal has been banned and protective standards set. Please join me in protecting our future by demanding safe food and fertilizer. The cure is prevention. Patricia Anne Martin Former Mayor, City of Quincy Here is a link that might be useful: Safe Food and Fertilizer...See MoreGrasses for heavy clay?
Comments (11)"Definitely wouldn't add soil on top...the drainage would really be the same and it would be a waste of money..." Think about it a bit. We regularly grow grasses in containers on patios and walks, which are no different from a berm of well draining soil on top of something which doesn't drain. I've grown them in raised beds built on concrete slabs. As long as the growing medium drains, the plants will grow. Larry..a word of caution. Look for varieties which will grow in standing water. When you dig a planting hole in your clay, you are effectively creating a bucket, into which you will place your plant's root ball. When it rains, that 'bucket' will fill with water which will take a long time to drain away. Depending upon how deep the clay is, you can alleviate this to an extent by drilling holes in the bottom of the planting hole. Use a piece of rebar, and drive it in a ways with a hand sledge. Then force it back and forth to widen the hole. Keep doing this as deep as you can. When you have the rebar hole drilled, fill it with pea gravel or coarse sand. Do a few of these, and you'll improve the drainage in the planting hole....See MoreGrass for heavy shaded area
Comments (6)Most often what I see under trees where grass will not grow is a lack of enough organic matter to help the grass grow. The soil will be very compacted and the tree itself will suck any moisture from the soil leaving none for any grass, although lack of sunlight can also inhibit many grasses from growing. Contact the people at your counties University Of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service and ask about 1) having a good, reliable soil test done, and 2) which Fescues would grow well in shady areas. Then dig in with these simple soil tests, Structure. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. For example, a good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. 2) Drainage. Dig a hole 1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drains too quickly and needs more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up. 3) Tilth. Take a handful of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a finger that clump should fall apart. 4) Smell. What does your soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria will be and the nicer your soil will smell. 5) Life. How many earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that is not healthy. to see what that soil might need to grow a good turf....See MoreWith good weather comes good blooms (pic heavy)
Comments (61)Christian - your old garden roses are amazing, and the side garden you landscaped for your horticulture project is beautiful. I can only imagine how much work you've put into it, but it's really paid off - fantastic job!...See MoreSandra Matula
8 years agoUser
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoSandra Matula
8 years ago
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