What Should I Do?

[Tisha]

I just can't seem to get it right! Please help!

I want to till and get my small plot ready for next year. How do I go by getting my soil tested? How will I know what to add to the soil? Here in St. Louis, we have clay soil. I have added garden soil for the last 2 years and I am not getting good results. What can I do to be sure to get a good growing season next year?

After I get it right, how do I maintain it?
Thanx In Advance

[motherofmolly]

your best bet would be to ask your local garden center (not the young kid who is only working part time lol)....our local paper has a section on just gardens once a week...usually there is a local experienced gardner that will answer questions...

clay soil needs more than just more soil added to it...you need to think about mulch and fertilizer too....depending on the soil you might need a sand mixture or something...

here, we can do a layer of leaves in the fall that you till into the soil come spring...but again depends on your soil

[Tisha]

Thank you. The garden center that I used this year, didn't help much. I am so frustrated. I'll try someone new.

[gaijingirl]

Contact your County Extension Office and ask about soil testing. Here is a link to the one in your area:University of Missouri Extension - St. Louis

They have a nice bright green box on the side with info all about soil testing.

We have really heavy clay (and rock) soil here in TN...I think it's that way through a lot of the south. Clay soil needs organic matter. Around here, a lot of people say raised beds are the way to go because you build upwards and you don't fight the soil you have.

You may want to Google "lasagna gardening". This is a great time to start one of these types of raised beds because you prepare it in the fall for the spring.

[motherofmolly]

Originally Posted by gaijingirl Contact your County Extension Office and ask about soil testing. Here is a link to the one in your area:University of Missouri Extension - St. Louis They have a nice bright green box on the side with info all about soil testing. We have really heavy clay (and rock) soil here in TN...I think it's that way through a lot of the south. Clay soil needs organic matter. Around here, a lot of people say raised beds are the way to go because you build upwards and you don't fight the soil you have. You may want to Google "lasagna gardening". This is a great time to start one of these types of raised beds because you prepare it in the fall for the spring.

the extension!! that is what i was trying to think of...they have master gardners there that can help. that was the other thing i was trying to remember...for the life of me i couldnt think of the words...

yes the extension!! they are great!