Soils
Q: What does a soil acidifier do?
A: SUPPOSEDLY used to lower the alkalinity (pH) of soil for plants that prefer more acid soil.
Q: How should soil be prepared for planting nursery grown plants?
A: Till the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches and add a good quantity of organic matter such as compost or peat moss to equal approximately 1/3 of the bed composition.
Q: At what temperature and how long do you heat soil to kill microorganisms? Should you use regular oven or microwave?
A: In regular oven, 180 - 200 degrees for one hour. In microwave 1 minutes on high.
Q: What do you need to do now to prepare soil for spring garden?
A: Till soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches and add 1/3 organic matter. Suggest making a raised bed.
Q: What soil mix should be used for planting basil?
A: Till in 1/3 composted material. Do not add sand.
Q: How much pine bark mulch should you use on blackland soil?
A: For general garden use spread 2 inches over soil, then till in.
Q: How deep should a raised bed be?
A: Minimum 6 inches, better 8 to 10 inches.
Q: How do you build a raised bed? What soil and amendments should be used?
A: Use landscape timbers, haydite blocks, bricks, stone, metal borders, etc. to retain raised earth. Till in minimum of 1/3 composted material.
Q: Should CCA (chromated copper arsenate) pressure treated timbers or railroad ties be used to build a backyard garden bed?
A: Either one is acceptable
Q: Flower beds are full of leaves. Do they need to be removed before adding pine bark mulch?
A: No. The leaves can be tilled in now in preparing bed for spring planting.
Q: Are cross timbers ok for a vegetable bed?
A: If by cross timbers they mean pressure treated landscape timbers or railroad ties, the answer is yes.
Q: pH of soil is 7.5. How can it be lowered for lawn grass?
A: It is not necessary to lower a pH of 7.5 to have a healthy lawn in Dallas.
Q: At what depth does soil temperature remain the same?
A: Depends on many factors varying from one area to another. Climate, soil texture, organic content, and moisture content all play a part.
Q: What can you do about hydrolic fluid that has been spilled on the soil?
A: The soil is contaminated and must be removed before planting anything.
Q: The soil under a magnolia tree is low and the roots are exposed. What kind of dirt and how much can be added back?
A: Use the same soil as presently there but no not add more than an inch to an inch and a half.