What to do now if I have used the same soil for 6 years?
Robert
7 years ago
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akarinz
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoRelated Discussions
Last year's yamadori is budding! Now what do I do?? (Pics)
Comments (12)It would definitely benefit from a change to a more appropriate soil and room for roots to run. Everyone has their own view about what makes a bonsai. Some are only happy if the proportions are approximate to established guidelines, and others are perfectly happy with a liner in a pot. Whatever you feel is a bonsai should be a bonsai to all of us, even if only for the sake of encouragement. It's always been my philosophy that the more experienced of us shouldn't steal your budding joy by criticizing you for not conforming to our own arbitrary set of standards, that we should see your trees through YOUR eyes instead of our own. It's ok for me to tell you what I would do, but at the same time I think I should encourage you to do what YOU want to do, and that's what I'm doing. If it pleases you to trim it up and make it more compact, then go ahead. It will slow the growth, but if you get more enjoyment out of looking at it, then do it. Have fun and don't worry about what everyone thinks. If you stay with bonsai, there will come a time when you'll want to reach a little further and strive to improve the visual impact of your trees. You'll know when that is, so don't let anyone push you toward it prematurely. Al...See MoreSeeded lawn in August, have soil test results, what do I do now?
Comments (2)Head on over to your local Clemson Extension office and have a talk with your agent. Don't worry about your analysis being old -- especially if you haven't done anything to your soil. Other Key questions: What type of grasses are you trying to grow -- Centipede takes a totally different care regime than Fescue or Bahia... What is your soil PH What soil type do you have? Now.... Looking at my recent analysis -- those are all Lbs/Acre -- not PPM measurements... P looks really low K looks medium low Ca should be plenty Mg is probably OK My guess is that you are going to be using some sort of balanced "premium" slow release fertilizer with minor elements -- like a 10-10-10 slow release or a 17-17-17 slow release... But It is going to be totally dependent on the type of grass and your soil type. Thanks...See Moregas edger -- now that I have one, how do I use it?
Comments (4)I always thought that those machines method of operation was self-explanatory! first, ya start the engine. second, place the blade outside the edge of the sidewalk, or where you want to edge. third: Push the edger along, trying to not touch the concrete. fourth: At end of sidewalk, pick machine up out of the slot you cut, then do the other side. After you have it all edged, turn the machine off, and store away until next time! fifth: If you intend to try to edge a round flower bed, i'd think a spade would be less troublesome. But, you can try it! sixth: watch yer feet and toes! Don't want to edge them, too!...See MoreClay soil - how do I fix it? Or do I have to?
Comments (63)In case the link is ever broken, cut and paste the PDF file here: Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D., Extension Horticulturist and Associate Professor, Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Washington State University The Myth of Gypsum Magic âAdding gypsum to your yard or garden will improve soil tilth and plant healthâ The Myth Upon continued prodding from one of my university extension colleagues, I recently watched several episodes of a well-known gardening program on television. My kids joined me, alerted by my animated responses to the hostâs non-stop torrent of advice. Among many amazing discoveries I learned that by adding gypsum to my yard or garden I would improve my problem soils by changing the particle size and loosening compaction. Further searching on the web revealed that gypsum would also improve drainage, decrease acidity, and eliminate soil salts. Previously, I had heard of gypsum for use in soil reclamation projects, but not for a typical urban landscape. Since gypsum is simply calcium sulfate, could this chemical truly transform soil structure and serve as a fertilizer for yards and gardens? The Reality This myth falls into the category of agricultural practices misapplied to ornamental landscapes. Gypsum effectively changes the structure and fertility of heavy clay soils, especially those that are heavily weathered or subject to intensive crop production. Gypsum also improves sodic (saline) soils by removing sodium from the soil and replacing it with calcium. Therefore, one can see improvement in clay soil structure and fertility, and desalinization of sodium-rich soils, by using gypsum. What other effects will gypsum have on soil and plant health? There are a number of scientific studies on gypsum usage both in the literature and on websites. Briefly, researchers have found: ⢠Gypsum does not usually change soil acidity, though occasional reports of both increasing and decreasing pH exist; ⢠Gypsum can increase leaching of aluminum, which can detoxify soils but also contaminates nearby watersheds; ⢠Gypsum can increase leaching of iron and manganese, leading to deficiencies of these nutrients; ⢠Gypsum applied to acid soils can induce magnesium deficiency in plants on site; ⢠Gypsum applied to sandy soils can depress phosphorus, copper and zinc transport; ⢠Gypsum can have negative effects on mycorrhizal inoculation of roots, which may account for several reports of negative effects of gypsum on tree seedling establishment and survival; ⢠Gypsum is variable in its effects on mature trees; ⢠Gypsum will not improve fertility of acid or sandy soils; ⢠Gypsum will not improve water holding capacity of sandy soils; and ⢠Gypsumâs effects are short-lived (often a matter of months) With the exception of arid and coastal regions (where soil salts are high) and the southeastern United States (where heavy clay soils are common), gypsum amendment is just not necessary in non-agricultural areas. Urban soils are generally amalgamations of subsoils, native and non-native topsoils, and - in home landscapes - high levels of organic and non-organic chemical additives. They are also heavily compacted and layered (and gypsum does not work well on layered soils). In such landscapes, it is pointless to add yet more chemicals in the form of gypsum unless you need to increase soil calcium levels. This nutrient deficiency can be quickly identified by any soil testing laboratory for less than a bag of gypsum costs. (If you need to improve sulfur nutrition, itâs wiser to use ammonium sulfate). To reduce compaction and improve aeration in nearly any landscape, application of an organic mulch is more economically and environmentally sustainable. The Bottom Line ⢠Gypsum can improve heavy clay soil structure and remove sodium from saline soils ⢠Gypsum has no effect on soil fertility, structure, or pH of any other soil type ⢠Most urban soils are not improved by additional gypsum ⢠Before adding gypsum or any chemical to a landscape, have soil analysis performed to identify mineral deficiencies, toxicities, and soil character ⢠Adding gypsum to sandy or non-sodic soils is a waste of money, natural resources, and can have negative impacts on plant, soil, and ecosystem health For more information, please visit Dr. Chalker-Scottâs web page at http://www.theinformedgardener.com....See Moregardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
7 years agokittymoonbeam
7 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
7 years agochadinlg Zone 9b Los Gatos CA
7 years agostanofh 10a Hayward,Ca S.F. bay area
7 years agoEmbothrium
7 years agokittymoonbeam
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agochadinlg Zone 9b Los Gatos CA
7 years agokittymoonbeam
7 years agoNil13 usda:10a sunset:21 LA,CA (Mount Wash.)
7 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoRobert
7 years agokittymoonbeam
6 years agoRobert
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
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