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Clay Soil and small plants
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Posted by
alwaysagarden CA 9b (
My Page) on
Fri, May 22, 09 at 10:20
Seems everything is really taking it's time in my zone. I did amend the clay soil with potting soil. I've fed the baby plants with some miracle grow when watering and still they are pretty small. I planted mainly Cosmos,Bach buttons,Clarkia,Larkspur,Hyacinth bean,Lupine,Nasturtiums,Zinna (but they have been eaten by earwigs),Sunflowers,Five Spot,Sweet Pea,Morning Glory,Snapdragons,Petunia,and some others. The one that is doing the best is the Alyssum!
They all get plenty of sun and water. Any thoughts?
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Clay Soil and small plants
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1) may need fertilizer
2) |
RE: Clay Soil and small plants
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| Okay, I guess I thought the Miracle Grow would feed them. Is there a type of fertilizer I can use just by sprinkling it onto soil. I obviously can't amend the soil again because of tons of baby plants. |
RE: Clay Soil and small plants
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- Posted by morz8 Z8 Wa coast (My Page) on
Sat, May 23, 09 at 19:44
| I don't know how far south this unSpringlike weather is extending but it's been cool here - your plants may just need some time and warmth. My garden is just barely beginning to fill in and look promising. Next time you amend planting areas, use compost (available by the bag if you haven't made your own) rather than potting soil...it will do more to improve your clay. I'm adding it every time I work a bed, move/remove a plant, add a plant, and I top dress with more every Spring in place of traditional mulches. It's taken some time, but the texture of my clay is much better than it was a few years ago....and I have tons of earth worms now, those help to improve areation too. |
RE: Clay Soil and small plants
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| morz8 has good advise. Over time you will have wonderful soil. For right now I think I would not worry about your plants. It is like when you go on a diet and weigh your self every day, it only leads to frustration. Your plants will grow alright, just not as fast as you would like. Al |
RE: Clay Soil and small plants
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| I have wonderful clay soil also, I have tried starting seeds in my plain clay soil and full sun and it doesnt work so great even if I water profusely. I start my seeds in my partial shade areas with a little amendmant and my seeds do great. Any plant I plant in my clay always is pretty slow to go after I transplant but once it gets going it takes off pretty good, lol I always say next year it will be pretty. Some seeds take several years to bloom the first time so as others have said just be patient or just enjoy the changes that come forth every day small but before you know it you will have a beautiful garden. |
RE: Clay Soil and small plants
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- Posted by dicot Los Angeles (My Page) on
Sat, May 30, 09 at 21:22
| Half the flowers mentioned - the Cosmos,Bachelor buttons,Clarkia, Lupine and Nasturtiums - are ones I've grown in CA in unamended soil, but can be slow to start. I don't think more fertilizer is the answer, but tilth can be important. I just keep working more and more organic matter in over time. I do think that most lupines and clarkia have to get a quick start in spring and are best for winter sowing in place. |
RE: Clay Soil and small plants
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| Thanks everyone for all your advice. I will buy compost now when amending my soil instead of potting soil. Thanks for the encouragement, I will be patient! |
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