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Madera, CA

I am getting a new area ready for next year that is easier to set up misters. The soil on top wasn't that good so I removed it with a tractor. How deep should I break up the soil for next years root growth?

Thanks for the help.

9/21/2010 1:59:46 PM

Desolate, NE

at least 6 inches deep, id say

9/21/2010 4:14:51 PM

Fresno, CA

It's a good idea to get a soil test so you know what to add in the Fall and Spring for next year's patch. Most people recommend A & L labs.

9/22/2010 1:06:59 AM

Madera, CA

How many pounds of soil do you send in for the sample?

9/22/2010 1:44:03 PM

Madera, CA

Sorry, I just found it on there website. 2 cups.

9/22/2010 1:59:17 PM

Don't just grab two cups from the surface of the patch and call it a day. What you need to do is take several representative samples from around the patch, after scraping away the top, contaminated layer from the sample area (which can be contaminated with bird poo, etc., and can skew the results).

Here's some good information on it:
http://www.westernlaboratories.com/Soil/Garden/collect.htm

By the way, John Taberna at Western Labs has recommendations specific to growing giant pumpkins, as he has been working with several top growers both in the Pacific Northwest and across the country the past several years. Just indicate that you’re growing AG’s in your soil submission form.

9/23/2010 12:10:18 PM

Rhode Island

given your situation here is what i would do

1. shovel down a ft in four to five areas of the plant. mix these samples together and send a sample out asap for testing.
2. dig a hole in the middle of the patch 2 ft deep by 2 ft around. fill it with water and see how fast it drains.
if it takes more tha an hr ( or a little over )to drain? you have hardpan below the surface, and will need to subsoil the area before roto tilling.( plowing helps but a plow does not go deep enough to break up hard pan )
3.add ammemdment as reccommended by soil test, till agin and cover crop if time permits.
4. test soil again in spring as soon as the soil is somewhat dry.

9/24/2010 7:48:44 AM

Pap raises a good point on hard pan. If you look carefully as you dig, you can actually see the difference in the soil structure above, at, and below the pan.

If you're in a confined area, and cannot get the proper equipment in to subsoil, you can get the same benefits manually by double digging. An arduous prospect, but an option in a confined area (back yard in a residential area, for example).

While plowing can break a shallow pan, it can also create a pan itself (smearing and compacting the soil just below the plow). Also be advised, subsoiling, if done improperly, can do more damage than good.

9/24/2010 3:14:02 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

nilbert, how can I tell, if proper subsoiling is being done? Peace, Wayne

9/26/2010 1:09:07 AM