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San Diego

I had a soil test done in November and my organic matter was at 8.5% and my macronutrients and pH were off the charts. I was thinking that I would pass up additions of compost or manure and use some peat moss to loosen the soil and stabilize the pH, but a few months later, I am wondering if I should add some compost to get the bacterial life going, because I don't know what the condition of my soil is in that area. The problem is that I can't find any sources of compost anywhere, and after last years experience, I don't want to use the manure here either. Some people recommend tilling in the leaves I tried to compost, but I am not sure if I should because my failed attempt at composting left half the leaves wet with bugs and mold and the other half bone dry. I don't want to risk disease issues.

Should I try to plant a cover crop in the three months I have left and leave it at that?

What do you recommend?

2/20/2016 2:12:42 PM

Colorado

I think cover crop spiked with some myko would be a good way to go.

2/24/2016 1:52:53 AM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

like cojoe says that would help.. also try to find microbial products that can be sprayed or broad casted in the patch.. biotamax is a good blend that will help build colonies to a growing root base of a cover crop.. I think in California there is no shortage of places to get products

2/24/2016 5:14:10 PM

San Diego

That is what I was thinking. Thanks for the responses.

Big City Grower, I should have worded that different. There is compost but all the stuff I have come across is full of wood chips or came from sources I can't trust. Plus I only have San Diego available to me. If I want it I am going to have to make it myself.

2/24/2016 6:18:32 PM