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| Hi. I posted this on the soil forum, but since I feel that I know all of you better and trust your opinions...Here is the backstory: I want to be ready to plant in the fall. DH has already dug a few holes where I am going to put some shrubs that are now in pots and I am afraid we need to have a tree taken down (dying from the top), so we will want to find something to replace that in October/November. Now for the question:
I have what I hope is an quick easy question. Whenever we dig in our back yard in order to plant shrubs or trees, we encounter more river rock than dirt/soil, so we are always short on material for backfilling the hole. I have avoided planting there for years, but just can't stand it any more-mostly weeds (well vinca minor, ivy, and the like which the PO had planted) at this point. We are in northern VA with heavy (marine?) clay in most of the yard. So, what should I buy to mix with the little bit of soil we do have? Topsoil? Compost? Combination of those or something entirely different? I really need to add something just to cover the roots! Can't get a truck back there, so will be buying bags of whatever (multiple trips, I know-ugh). I know I shouldn't amend a planting hole, but if I amend the entire large area, would that be okay? Something needs to be done and I am willing to do it this summer to get ready-remember those oak volunteers I want to move? This is in addition. Looking to create a woodland garden instead of a quarry. Thanks!
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Follow-Up Postings:
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| Cynthia, Don't know what others will tell you, but here is what I have done when there was not enough backfill and using soil from nearby was not an option. I have planted the plant as normal up to the point of running out of back fill. This way the bottom of the root ball will still be in naive soil. I then have finished the back filling with "topsoil" from the local Lowes. The reasoning is that by filling the bottom of the whole with the native stuff, it is most similar to what is there, and present the least problems, while the added "topsoil" is much more likely to be closer to what is lying on the very upper layer of the native soils, as opposed to what lies below. In addition, if there is a bathtub effect, then it is confined to the top, where it will dry quicker, and more oxygen is available from there air, therefore enhancing survival of the roots there. There is still and interface problem with the native soil, so make sure to rough up the sides of the planting whole so that there is no a smooth surface and it will be easier for roots to penetrate. What I outlined above has worked for me, but others may have another suggestion that I have not thought of before. Arktrees |
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| Thanks Arktrees! We have a multi-level back yard (could be beautiful if I ever get it planted) and this is the lowest area and it is a large area. We are pretty sure there is an underground spring/stream running under part of it, but I am planting away from there. I do keep "borrowing from Peter to pay Paul" when I plant, but I am running out of areas from which to steal dirt! :) |
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- Posted by wisconsitom 4/5 WI (My Page) on Wed, Jun 27, 12 at 18:18
| Too cyn, you could indeed amend the entire area to good effect. That's the proper way to use soil amendments, just as you propose. Perhaps purchase some native topsoil, mix in a moderate percentage of good, well-aged compost, and spread away. I would add too that this material could be tilled in, but with your rocky situation, that might not work. But even so, this should get you where you need to be. +oM |
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| Thanks Tom. I am actually leaning toward doing that! I am already plotting how to enlist helpers in moving all that material! :) |
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