soil additives - Ask Extension
I'm preparing a 12'x40' area to plant native bee loving flowers. It is grass covered now (was pasture) and I will rototill it to tear up the grasses....
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soil additives #819761
Asked February 04, 2023, 8:42 PM EST
I'm preparing a 12'x40' area to plant native bee loving flowers. It is grass covered now (was pasture) and I will rototill it to tear up the grasses. The soil is claylike and it's a very dry area in Summer. My question is this, Will adding Vermiculite to the soil enhance the possibilities for a good flower bloom? Should I spread it after rototilling and then rototill again afterward to mix the soil and vermiculite? If I cast seed what else can I do to enhance the bloom?
Thanks. Ian Fuller, student in the OSU Master Beekeeper program. picture is of the strip between our solar array and the fence that we wish to replant with flowers.
Douglas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Ian,
Sounds like a great project. Rather than incorporating vermiculate into the soil, it is more beneficial to add good compost which will increase the soil organic matter. Which in turn, helps with the clay. I have the perfect publication for you from the Xerces Society, "Establishing Pollinator Meadows from Seed". This simple guide details clear steps to take for the best success in establishing a new pollinator habitat.
I love the following two publications for the clear ideas listed for pollinator plant possibilities. I'll give you the link to pollinator plants picks from OSU in "Native Plant Picks for Bees" and then from the Pollinator Partnership, "Selecting Plants for Pollinators".
Enjoy your the adventure with the end reward of a beautiful patch of flowers for bees.
Sounds like a great project. Rather than incorporating vermiculate into the soil, it is more beneficial to add good compost which will increase the soil organic matter. Which in turn, helps with the clay. I have the perfect publication for you from the Xerces Society, "Establishing Pollinator Meadows from Seed". This simple guide details clear steps to take for the best success in establishing a new pollinator habitat.
I love the following two publications for the clear ideas listed for pollinator plant possibilities. I'll give you the link to pollinator plants picks from OSU in "Native Plant Picks for Bees" and then from the Pollinator Partnership, "Selecting Plants for Pollinators".
Enjoy your the adventure with the end reward of a beautiful patch of flowers for bees.
