Nutrient levels and pH in soil are also something you should try to know about your soil. The local Agricultural Extension service with offer information on soil testing to determine basic nutrients. There are also some over the counter tests available from high-end garden supply stores.
pH is the condition of acidity or alkalinity in units. Some plants thrive only when the pH is optimum for the plant. A 7 pH is neutral, higher numbers are more alkaline lower are more acidic. To neutralize acid one can add agricultural lime. The optimal pH for most herbs is 5.5 to 6.8 pH.
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clay, gardening, herbs, loam, ph, sand, silt, soil
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Creating a good soil should be an important task in any garden. The next step in planning your garden is to examine your soil structure and determine the needed amendments to create your good soil. You may have to wait until the ground thaws, but if you can get a handful of soil you can get a look at its structure.
If it crumbles easily and runs through your hand it is sandy. If it holds tighter firmly it is clay.
Ideal garden soil is loam which is about ½ sand (medium particles) and ½ silt or clay (fine particles) with some organic matter mixed in. If the hand test doesn’t work or your soil is too wet. Place a hand shovel full in a quart jar and fill up to the top with water. Shake the jar and set it to rest. The larger particles will settle out first, the smaller last with the organic material floating on the top. You can then easily determine the ratio of silt to sand.
The good news is the solution to too much clay not enough sand or the opposite is to add...
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Tags:
clay, gardening, herbs, loam, sand, silt, soil
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