You learn something new every day

– Posted in: Miscellaneous
3 comments

This article by Howard Garrett on changes in organic gardening practices was an interesting read. I knew peat moss was a no-no but not sharp sand.

About the Author

Kathy Purdy is a colchicum evangelist, converting unsuspecting gardeners into colchicophiles. She gardens in rural upstate NY, which used to be USDA Hardiness Zone 4 but is now Zone 5. Kathy’s been writing since 4th grade, gardening since high school, and blogging since 2002. Find her on Instagram as kopurdy.

In its own way, frost may be one of the most beautiful things to happen in your garden all year . . . Don’t miss it. Like all true beauty, it is fleeting. It will grace your garden for but a short while this morning. . . . For this moment, embrace frost as the beautiful gift that it is.

~Philip Harnden in A Gardener’s Guide to Frost: Outwit the Weather and Extend the Spring and Fall Seasons

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Kathy March 5, 2004, 3:33 pm

It isn’t a matter of what region you are in so much as what kind of soil you have. I have acid clay. To improve general structure and fertility of my soil, I add organic matter such as well rotted manure or compost. But when I want to grow something that needs really well-draining soil, I add grit, and if it doesn’t like acid soil I add ground limestone. Don Engebretson of the Renegade Gardener http://www.renegadegardener.com/ could probably advise you better on the best way to amend your Minnesota soil.

Keith March 4, 2004, 8:34 pm

I wonder how much of this applies to Zone Four. Is it possible that Minnesota soil wouldn’t necessarily play nice with things like lava sand?

bill March 1, 2004, 4:33 pm

I’ve used sharp sand without problems, but some of my gardening friends do claim that it turns the ground to concrete.

I think Howard Garrett lost some of his credibility by recommending this through the years.