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The soil I had tested by state of NC lab said all 12 samples had a pH ranging from 4.1 to 4.5! Our well water is pretty acid too; my tropical fish testing kit shows pH of 6.4.
Am I in trouble for: figs, crepe myrtle, blueberries? I plan to put lime all over the yard for grass but it gets more tricky for the fruit- how much and how often should I lime? The state only told me how much for fescue grass.
I wonder if, once limed, the pH will stay higher than in the 4's? I'd think in the 6.2 to 6.8 would be good for me. I've never seen ranges for figs and they (5 different types) are important to me. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
You're in great shape for growing blueberries, figs like a pH in the 6.0-6.5 range so you're a little more acid than they prefer.
Does you extension ask you what you plan to grow on your soil test app?
If not give the local office a call, tell them you want to raise your pH slight;y and tell should be able to give you a formula for raising the pH, for example 2 pounds of lime per 100 sq feet.
Hi, I too am in zone 7b and have the clay soil. Permatill amendment has been recommended to me. Have you heard of it, or do you know anything about it. Good, bad, indifferent? I don't want to spend the money on something marginal!
A search on the web says Permatill is expanded slate. Should improve drainage, soil structure, and provide some porosity in the soil. I don't know value for the $ on it. Organic material should also benefit. There is a discussion here: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/contain/msg05005042...
Thank you dparsons. We did put the permatil in and are having great results. The few trees, shrubs and lawn we have planted are thriving. We tilled in permatil mixed with mushroom compost. Our backyard was a blank slate. We figured it was an opportune time to try and create the finest soil we could afford. we decided to plant slowly in good soil. We are happy with our decision so far.
Boy,We are learning the value of good soil. We have six rased beds. We've never worked harder, digging up the hard packed clay soil, slowly amending it with compost, manure and potting soil. (No Permatil here). We sliced the clay with every addition, at the same time turning the soil and mixing. Like a crazy woman I bought a big variety of seeds, from Johnny's Seed, and started planting in the middle of August. Hoping and praying they would come up! Two days, yes two days, later, incredibly, I had little green leaves popping out of the ground. Ten days later, every packet has sprouted!!!!! I'm guessing it's the soil and good seed!!!!!
Now the challenge will be to see these little darling thru to harvest. Yum lot's of Asian greens, broccoli, brussel sprouts, leeks, beets, artichokes, sugar peas...!!!!
I've learned soooo much from the generous people like yourself, ecrane ... Thank You one and all. For a first time gardener I'm feeling a little proud and cocky!!! My family and neighbors are all ready for the harvest. Yikes, hope I've planted at the right time, right spacing, right veggies for Fall, right... Well at least I think I have the soil thing right! lol
