gardening on sand, was Tulipa humilis 'Albocaerulea Oculata'

Kathleen Sayce ksayce@willapabay.org
Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:26:40 PDT
I too would like to see Gene's garden, and I'm not so far away as Peter. 

While I describe my soil as sand, it's actually 60 percent sand, 39 percent silt and 1 percent or less of clay. I add compost, biochar, mulch, egg shells, rock dusts, fertilizer, etc to bring the fertility up to something reasonable. We have sufficient rain here that without additional organics, the nutrients wave at plant roots as they wash by in the wet season. 

Not a surprise, the best growing areas are on the lower slopes and in swales (so long as these are not too low and wet). I have shifted plant beds to reflect this in my quest for a lower maintenance garden with better soils for bulbs and perennials. This is where I grow my 8 ft plus lilies, for example. 

As for taste, yes, many organic farmers have found a direct relationship between health of soil (as measured by trace minerals and organics) and health and flavor of plants. If this works for a lettuce or carrot, it's probably also working to promote bulb health. 

Cheers,
Kathleen 


Kathleen Sayce
PNW Coast, WHZ 8, dryish cool summers & mild wet winters






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