Knowledgebase

disappointing garden outcomes #851147

Asked September 25, 2023, 11:40 AM EDT

I bought a home in Roseburg last fall, installed 5 garden beds made of metal, filled them with Douglas County Farmers Co-op's "Organo-Rich" planting mix, and ended up with stunted vegetables (tomatoes, sweet peppers, melons, cukes). My zinnias and strawberries did better, but still not as prolific as in my previous gardens. Too much organic matter? Should I add good top soil to the planters this fall and mix it in? Thanks for your help!

Douglas County Oregon

Expert Response

your soil may have had too much organic matter the wood chips that were not aged enough. Compost should be fine with out chunks of wood or other organic debris.
Soil testing is an important first step toward growing healthy plants in your garden. A soil test can help you:
Make informed fertilizer and soil amendment choices.

Diagnose and correct plant problems.

Learn about a new garden or growing area.

Enhance plant growth.

A pH test will tell you how acidic or basic your soil is. Most plants prefer neutral soils, but some plants grow best in more acidic soils (blueberries, rhododendrons, azaleas, etc.). Soil nutrients are also affected by the soil pH.
Here is an excellent soil testing service:
ALS Environmental
1317 South 13th Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
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Web: http://www.alsglobal.com
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Here are some important publications to review:

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em8677/html

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/soil-compost/how-do-i-test-my-garden-soil

Chris Rusch Replied September 25, 2023, 11:41 PM EDT

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