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Lasanga or bagged compost to improve clay-like soil?
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Posted by gardencarnation 6a-ON (My Page) on Tue, Jan 31, 12 at 17:59
| I have clay-like soil that is extremely difficult to dig through. I don't notice any flooding or EXTREMELY slow draining with it (although still slow and puddles for a bit of the day, but I can't easily dig in it. I am planning to do a full-scale renovation of the backyard and put in a beautiful garden, and one hole is a mission on its own. I gave up last year because I didn't know what I was doing, but then found this forum. I can upload a picture of my plan soon (mind you, it will look like a 5 year old drew/coloured it).
I was thinking of doing the lasagna garden method. This would be perfect for me to do, and has gotten me very excited for my garden this year. It seems very time consuming though. I would have to start early in spring as soon as the frost is over, and gather enough green organic material to use as well (I have enough brown). Basically, I would have to do it in small increments instead of all at once like I wanted. (I'm talking about bed preparation, not planting)
On top of that I would still need to purchase soil to put between the layers and on top so that I can plant in it immediately.
What I was wondering though, can I just purchase bagged compost or the soil that you call to be delivered to your house, and just use that instead of the lasanga method.
Sort of like a raised garden, but without the borders.
I just want to know if the layer of bagged already-made compost or soil (is there a difference???) is going to help improve the soil for the years to come, or should I just do the lasagna method?
I've also heard of a special liquid formula that you pour over the soil that improves the soils texture, and it's organic. What's that about?
Any recommendations, comments, or suggestions are appreciated. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Lasanga or bagged compost to improve clay-like soil?
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| From what you describe, the lasagna method might be preferable, but I would do at least one bed built from purchased soil and compost. You will want to cover the ground well with some kind of barrier to prevent the existing vegetation from growing up through your beds, cardboard and multiple layers of newspaper are favored materials. You should start accumulating lasagna materials now, and if there is not too much snow on the ground, could in fact start the building process. The "green" material will likely freeze, and therefor remain "green" until warmer temps allow the decomposition process to start. In the lasagna beds, you will be able to grow tomatoes and squashes (and some other things) without having to incorporate much actual soil, they can survive the processes of decomposition going on below them, The beds built with soil and compost will be better suited to those crops that require a more mature soil, and those that prefer a finer tilth... salad greens and root crops spring first to mind. Other plants might be most advantageously started in pots until the lasagna beds have reached a stage of decomposition that is less injurious to tender roots. The pots could be situated in areas where you plan future beds, thus providing a way to kill the existing vegetation in the soil beneath them without having to dig (which you seem to want to avoid) or sacrifice ground. There are big differences between (and among) purchased composts and soils. Be careful that what you are buying is truly what you want. You don't need a lot provided your native soil is relatively healthy, though the texture may not be ideal. If you have a native population of earthworms, they will eventually create the soil you will benefit from most, if not, introducing them, from a near-by source, when you start your beds, will go a long way towards creating better tilth. And skip that liquid stuff for now. If you want to buy something in a bottle for your garden, I'd recommend a nice crisp white to accompany the salads and grilled veggies you'll be enjoying this summer. |
RE: Lasanga or bagged compost to improve clay-like soil?
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Don't overthink it and don't get caught up in someone else's ideas. Compost works well, raw materials work well too , only takes longer to feed the plants.
I always think of the painter, Bob Ross saying, "There are no mistakes, only happy accidents."
I believe that a successful gardener, has a great day outdoors. :) |
RE: Lasanga or bagged compost to improve clay-like soil?
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| Thank you for the ideas. Maybe I'll do a layer of cardboard everywhere that I am planning to plant, and then make a small layer of green and brown matter, and then layer already-made compost on top. I am going to be using mostly annuals this year anyways, so maybe by fall I'll put a layer of newspaper, leaves, and grass clippings on top of everything and just have a really fresh garden the year after, Until then, I'll try and make it easier for myself. |
RE: Lasanga or bagged compost to improve clay-like soil?
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Your clay soil is most likely difficult to work because it lacks adequate levels of organic matter, so they Lasagna Bed method probably would be the best way to correct that. Hauling in soil, of some kind, usually does not make long term differences, even if you were able to get loam.
Pat Lanza does a good job of describing what she did to dev elop this Lasagna gardening method. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Lasagna Gardening 101
RE: Lasanga or bagged compost to improve clay-like soil?
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| I started with alkaline desert clay, and just spread as much half-finished compost as I had, then shredded branches and trees as a mulch several inches thick, and planted through it. I just cut off the dead plants at gorund leveland leave the roots to decompose - it creates niche air channels. I dug the first planting holes with a pick ... now 4 years later, with no tilling, I can dig planting holes with a hand-held digger. |
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