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Grants Pass, Oregon

I have been hearing about depth of soil in the garden. What would be an ideal depth to have since the roots can get to 12". And how would you go about getting the depth that you need? Would this mean putting in more top soil, compost, leaves etc. I want to get this right this winter, so I have a better chance in the spring. Thanks to everyone on this site who has been helping me. There are too many of you to name, but you all know who your are.

Carrie

11/8/2001 2:56:29 PM

Northeast

For the main root you need 3 ft. Most people did a hole and also mound on top to reach that number

11/8/2001 6:07:02 PM

Utah

who knows how deep the roots go.
or what is idea... usually is it what is
we are able to do.

there are two solutions...
dig down or pile on.

well a backhoe is probably the best way to get deep...
but not to pratical for most of us.

a lot of people till their whole gardens and
dig a deeper pit - where the seed is planted
like 4x4 or 6x6 ft and 2-3-4 ft deep.

piling on works great too-
you want manure, manure and more manure !
-composted leaves- or any other composted
you want to compost everything so it will
be broken down in your garden. you don't
want large whole leaves in you patch come
next spring.
you can add stuff now and let it sit
but in the spring you till in all in ... or turn in all
in by hand... so it gets all mixed around
and you don't have a layer or dirt and a layer
of something else on top.
good luck !
g1t

11/8/2001 6:10:14 PM

Cincinnati,OH

If anyone out there is going to use a backhoe to plant a pumpkin beware someone may have you commited to the funny farm. (EI) Hiya neighbor what chew doing digging a foundation? NOPE I'M GETTIN READY TO PLANT A PUMPKIN.

11/8/2001 7:07:34 PM

walton n.y.

that's a good point our patch is quite close to the road so all the neighbors thought we were building something until i backed the truck up to the trench and started filling it with rotted manure but they're getting used to it now every weekend during the fall they see me out there piling it on

11/8/2001 7:51:29 PM

Connecticut

Roots will grow as far as there is loose, well drained soil. Bring in the back hoe! This year I'm going to try 10' by 10' by 10' holes. Hope this helps.

11/8/2001 7:51:36 PM

Long Island,New York

I think we need to step back a second and remember two things....these things like warm soils and all roots need air.We build mounds to increase the warming...I would imagine 10 foot deep is into the "cold zone" and may be a waste of time. Also...many people grow in a foot of topsoil....more is better , but a foot is ok....most will till the soil (most tillers go 6"-8"-MAYBE a foot and new growers are popping 600-700-800-900 lbers at an astonishing rate.More is likely better....to a point......just my 2 cents worth......Glenn

11/8/2001 8:31:20 PM

Grants Pass, Oregon

thanks everyone....carrie

11/8/2001 8:34:53 PM

Deer Park WA

I feel the necessary depth of the planting area is directly related to the quality of your soil, size of the patch, and amount of energy you have. One foot of well prepared bed would certianly be a minimum. Very important is to have a loose well drained planting hole at least 3x3x3. Just my opinion but you can not maximize any plants potential with out giving it everything it wants/needs. LoL.........

11/9/2001 9:10:30 PM

Grants Pass, Oregon

how can you tell what the quality of your soil is? With my soil water soaks in quickly to the soil. It takes a lot of water before it stops soaking in.

carrie

11/9/2001 9:51:32 PM

Western Pa.

Contact your local Ag extension office, and get that soil sample done!

kilr

11/10/2001 2:59:01 PM

Grants Pass, Oregon

is it a different test than getting your ph tested? My ph level is 6.7.

Carrie

11/10/2001 4:08:18 PM

Deer Park WA

Hello Polka Dot, It was nice to finanly get to meet you @ Canby! I have yet to do a "Soil Test" other than a cheapo PH tester. I have a long way to go to fully develope my soils structure. Until I open up my crumby clay soil to 18 inches or more, using manure, sand, cover crops, more manure, and alot of effort, I don't believe it's necessary to get an expensive soil test. If however you are blessed with, or have achieved dirt Nirvana, then by all means get a soil test!

11/10/2001 9:23:25 PM

Western Pa.

Carrie,

PH is only 1 aspect of a soil test. A good test will tell you about "Cation exchange", or how much clay, sand,etc. your soil contains. This will help determine how well your soil drains. Also it will let you know what minerals & nutrients are in your soil, and what you should add to achieve "optimum" results.Excessive amounts of certain things, as well as not enough, can both be detrimental to your plant, some things "build up" in the soil, while others "leach out". This is why a soil test is so important, and as far as cost Penn State does a pretty good one for only $6. More advanced growers not only test their soil, but also do a tissue test. (Just because it's in your soil, doesn't meant that it's readily available to your plants!) Hope this helps clarify.

kilr

11/12/2001 9:14:56 AM

Grants Pass, Oregon

thanks Kilr

11/12/2001 11:19:31 AM