Soil Amendments - Ask Extension
I was disappointed in my community garden plot this year. Everything seemed stunted compared to neighboring plots. What would you recommend as soil am...
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Soil Amendments #851342
Asked September 26, 2023, 6:56 PM EDT
I was disappointed in my community garden plot this year. Everything seemed stunted compared to neighboring plots. What would you recommend as soil amendments over the winter to improve next year’s yield? Thanks!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Jeff. The only way to solve a problem is first to define what it is. Assuming that you are using the same plot next year as you did this, I suggest that you get the soil tested for pH and nutrients, both critical to successful vegetable gardening. This publication provides a list of testing labs: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em8677 You can request recommendations on soil amendments to add this fall which will help the soil's problems by spring.
You also might consider planting a cover crop or two to enrich and protect your plot. This explains and has references: https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/now%E2%80%99s-time-plan-cover-crops
Finally, this Extension publication covers all the basics: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9027
Good luck!
You also might consider planting a cover crop or two to enrich and protect your plot. This explains and has references: https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/now%E2%80%99s-time-plan-cover-crops
Finally, this Extension publication covers all the basics: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9027
Good luck!
Just checking in - trying to get my garden to bed for winter - thanks again for your advice!
To clarify, we do not rototill our garden and are looking for best guidance for an amendment to apply now, before covering with burlap, leaves, or a cover crop, for best production next year. Thanks again for all your help!I have received my report from A&L Western Labs, and would like some help interpreting it. Based on the attached report, how should I amend the soil for general vegetable production? Thanks!Jeff Ramsey
I was unable to find the A&L report or their recommendations, and am uncertain whether you have what you need, or not. If you have a handle on soil amendments to apply now, you needn't reply.
To clarify, we do not rototill our garden and are looking for best guidance for an amendment to apply now, before covering with burlap, leaves, or a cover crop, for best production next year. Thanks again for all your help!
I have received my report from A&L Western Labs, and would like some help interpreting it. Based on the attached report, how should I amend the soil for general vegetable production? Thanks!Jeff Ramsey
I have received my report from A&L Western Labs, and would like some help interpreting it. Based on the attached report, how should I amend the soil for general vegetable production? Thanks!
Jeff Ramsey
You might find this helpful: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1478-soil-test-interpretation-guide#:~:text=Soil%20test%20results%20(see%20figure,may%20increase%20growth%20or%20yield.
