Planning for next years garden--have a question

[Tussiemussies]

Since we are in our new home I've been planning about how I would go about putting in a garden, I would love to have a meandering edible rock garden landscape but it is just out of the question here. We live on a somewhat steep hill. So now I have planned some raised beds but the will be right next to my well water. Every time I have any type of garden I put dehydrated manure in it. I have always had fantastic results. In reading up on well water you are not supposed to let any waste like that or from your dog etc. for at least 100 feet away from the well. There is no where else that gets the sun needed and flattened ground.

I am afraid my garden won't do as well without the manure. Any suggestions or ideas? Does compost do better than manure?

Thanks for your help...Christine

[Mrs-M]

There is a number of ways in which to nourish the soil in ones garden. Peat moss, pro-mix compounds, and plant fertilizers, are all superb ways any gardener can enrich the soil in their garden to assure a rewarding growing season.

Re: the lay of land you reside on, Tussie... capitalize on it! Really. To be gifted with a natural formed landscape that allows for a garden-scape that has natural runoff, is like sitting on a treasure chest. Thyme, basil, and oregano, come to mind as excellent plantings for such, as does the likes of dill, and the scent that will be present as a result will be to die for.

Don't short-change yourself on a garden of your dreams, over a simple soil additive you've come accustomed to and trusting of. Improvise and change-it-up!

[puglogic]

Christine, I would use compost instead of manure. There may have been manure IN it as part of the "cooking" process to create it, but all of its downsides have been neutralized by the composting process. There are even companies that sell bulk organic compost. Perfectly safe in every way -- they usually have the data to prove it.

Even the usual bagged manures available at big box stores are often well decomposed and safe to handle. Check with a nursery about the best products to use. It's going to be easier than you think! :)

[Birdie]

Compost has very low nitrogen and vegetables require quite a bit of nitrogen, so you should fertilize with something. There are vegan fertilizers that are more expensive than manures, but probably are less worrisome around a well. Can you call the local health department and see if they have any suggestions? Or is there a Master gardener program at your county extension office that you can ask?

If they think using the bagged composted manure is safe, chicken manure has higher nitrogen than the other manures. Adding compost to your raised beds will improve the tilth of the soil and aid in moisture retention in the soil. I have 4 raised beds and love vegetable gardening in them.

[Tussiemussies]

Thank you Mrs. m. For your encouragement. You know how much I love my garden and how I wa hesitant to change the natural environment here, so I really appreciate your cheering me on. Having a garden has won out! Unfortunately it does have to wait until next year but I am planning now. How I wish I could do edible landscaping here but it just won't work with the critters that are around. I could see me out there having to spray a natural deterrent every day! LOL

Thank you pug logic for letting me know that when manure is composted then it is perfectly safe! That is good, I didn't realize that!

Thanks Birdie for giving me the nitrogen information. I don't read much about that part of gardening, so I appreciate your giving me that information.

Thanks everone! Chris

[puglogic]

We do a soil test wherever we intend to plant and that way we KNOW how much more nitrogen we need to add. Too much nitrogen is just as bad as too little....lots of green growth at the expense of fruit/flower. I know our state extension office does soil testing, with specific recommendations based on what they find. Maybe see if your state has something similar?

Hang in there, Chris!

[Tussiemussies]

We do a soil test wherever we intend to plant and that way we KNOW how much more nitrogen we need to add. Too much nitrogen is just as bad as too little....lots of green growth at the expense of fruit/flower. I know our state extension office does soil testing, with specific recommendations based on what they find. Maybe see if your state has something similar?

Hang in there, Chris!


Thank you pug logic for helping me with this. You are so sweet!

I have never had my soil tested. The house which was our first home had the absolutely best soil. The second home we put in a raised bed of mushroom soil and that was fantastic. Both places I used the dehydrated manure. My gardens have always been great. I feel like if I test the soil I am going to jinx myself for some reason. I just may give it a try though.

Am so excited we have to put on a new roof this year so since we have to put up a lot of fencing and raised beds it won't be until next year....darn, I've got the gardening fever! l
LOL

Thank you so much!!!

[SvenV]

HI Christine...

Maybe you can find here some good ideas and suggestions: www.e-njoy.us/landscape-and-garden/

greetings

[Gregg]

Dried manure is probably not a good idea, but compost will be fine. Save all those leaves, grass clippings, cuttings, kitchen scraps, etc. and get a good compost pile going. The garden will love it.

[Tussiemussies]

Dried manure is probably not a good idea, but compost will be fine. Save all those leaves, grass clippings, cuttings, kitchen scraps, etc. and get a good compost pile going. The garden will love it.


Thanks Gregg!