indianshadow46's Blog

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Jun 27, 2008 | 8:32 AM PST

This has been a lot of work! I have given up on this soil! Tried all I know and tried almost everything I have read! My soil will not grow vegies. The flowers are somewhat succesful. Since my Daughter and Grandaughter moved out I have had a lot more time to focus on the yard and flower beds. But, I had to pull squash up out of flowerbed. It would set but tiny squash would just dry up. Finally figured out the landscaping fabric was my problem. The cukes are setting! Will watch to see if the develop. There is no landscaping fabic in the garden area. The tomatoes are beautiful plants. Just NOT 1 BLOOM!!!!!! The pole green beans are climbing everywhere but so far no sign of a bloom! Okra is growing really tall but not a bloom in sight. I have bees and butterflies. I just gave up and will watch what happens. I stopped putting miracle grow on the tomatoes to see if that might be the problem.

BUT, my avacado tree (3 years of age) has reached the eve of the house. She is just beautiful, branching out too.

The mimosa I was blessed with by the birds has reached at least 12 feet. All that growth in two years. But it hasn't bloomed either.

The red bud tree has more than doubled this year. The Azaleas are just doing great. Lost all my climbing roses I planted.

Moved all my bulb plants into one bed.

My caladiums have returned from last year. They are multiplying so well.

Help please. My lilac shrub is doing the same as last year. I lost that one.. Now I tried sulfur and it seemed to help at first. So I dusted it again. No change this time. So down to the local nursery I will go to see if they have a suggestion.

I am so blessed and motivated by all you folks are sharing. It makes my day to see all the pics you share. I haven't posted much but have read all your blogs every morning with my coffee. Everyone have a great week!!!!!!!!!!

6 Member Comments

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countrylane	Jun 27, 2008 \| 8:50 AM PST Don't give up! Sounds like a lot of things are doing great in the soil you have. Maybe some veggies, you'll have to plant in containers with really nice soil, compost, etc. Then let the viney things vine off onto the ground. Just a thought. Maybe everything will start blooming soon. Sounds like all the trees and other plants are doing well! Keep trying and happy gardening!
LittleErnie	Jun 27, 2008 \| 9:38 AM PST Most veggies such as cabbage, sprouts, caulies etc need an alkaline soil so dressing with lime should help. Trace elements may be low so waterinf with epsom salts puts magnesium in the soil , will help leeks and root crops. You also need more potash for tomatoes. Plenty of organic material is also essential. Get friendly with a local stable. Squash (marrow to us) and pumpkins love it they are hearty feeders. I stopped using mirale grow and now use a liquid seaweed fertilizer. Don't give up.
Aurora	Jun 27, 2008 \| 10:07 AM PST First I would suggest only using organic fertilizers- they have lower numbers but are more usable to the plants and won't ruin the soil. Then I would pull up ALL the landscape fabric- it really doesn't help prevent weeds, it's better suited to under patios and walks. In the fall I would order a big load of compost, enough to cover the beds with 4-6 inches, and work that in. I would then mulch with shredded autumn leaves 2-3 inches worth. Come spring I would work the leaves into the soil, then add more leaves, and cover with first-cut grass clippings, again 2-4 inches- make friends with a landscaper for an unlimited supply :) A few years of that should really help to improve the soil. It has greatly improved my heavy clay :) Bed preparation and some time are the keys to success
essiek	Jun 27, 2008 \| 1:12 PM PST Have you tried any type of composted animal manure? As long as it's well aged, there should be no odor, and it does magical things to somewhat sterile soil. I used some in an old driveway area, and not all the seeds sprout, but the one's that did are producing!!! Of course, lots of leaf mulch and kitchen compost was added as well! It's a long day of hard work, but pays off for many seasons.
yardgranny6	Jun 27, 2008 \| 1:32 PM PST I like the way Aurora says to do your beds. Adding the compost in the fall and then adding fall leaves, turning all that under in the spring should do well. You could try your plantings again next year and see what happens. If that is not good enough then repeat it again the next fall. Good luck. Mimosas are just now blooming here in SC, so it may not quite be time for yours as yet. Happing gardening. LB
dirtdobber	Jun 27, 2008 \| 6:28 PM PST You also might want to hang in there a little longer before throwing the towel in. I felt the same as you for a while, and then all of a sudden everything had blooms and started producing. You got a lot of good advice from the others.

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