Garden tips for May Garden tips for May (May 21, 2004)

How to build and maintain soil

By Jack McKinnon

One of the most important factors to take into consideration when growing a garden is soil preparation. The root system provides support, food, trace elements, air and water to the plant. The soil needs to be rich and well drained especially in flower and vegetable beds.

This month's tips will give you methods for building a soil and maintaining it for best production. Here are the tips.

1. Mix in plenty of compost. You can use organic or conventional compost from a nursery. If you need quantity you can buy your compost by the cubic yard from Lyngso Garden Materials, 19 Seaport Blvd., Redwood City, 364-1730; or Rices Soil Farm, 2119 S. Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay, 726-0100.

2. Mix your soil deeper than the roots that will be growing in it. If you are growing flowers and vegetables with 6-inch roots, dig 12 inches down and homogenize compost into all of it. For trees and shrubs use the planting guides in your garden books or on the tag that comes with the plant.

3. You will know your soil is fluffy enough by using this test. Push your hand into your soil. If you can push your hand all the way up to your wrist, then you know the roots of your plants will be able to grow well in this soil. If your soil does not pass this test, add more compost.

4. Fertilize your plants at the time you plant them. If they are small use just a little; if they are larger use a bit more. Follow the instructions on your fertilizer package. Water your plants right away to establish the roots and allow the fertilizer to percolate around them.

5. Apply mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, deter weeds, keep the soil from compacting and discourage pests.

6. Do not walk on your garden beds. Use pathways or stepping-stones but don't step any place where roots may be growing.

7. Plant perennials this month. Try salvia, penstemon, artemisia, lavender, geranium, fuchsia and marguerites in your sun or partial-shade beds. They are always reliable and colorful.

8. Plant tomatoes, beans, pumpkins, squash, sunflowers, lettuce, corn, beets, cucumber, eggplant, melons and peppers. Plant annuals like cosmos, nasturtium, calendula, impatiens, marigold, petunia, clarkia, zinnia and yarrow.

9. Check your watering systems. Make sure all the heads, drippers, bubblers and emitters are working properly. A common problem for gardeners is that they water new plants too little and established plants too much. Look closely at your plants. The symptoms for over watering are similar to under watering. Check the soil for moisture not only on the top but a finger's depth down as well.

10. Prune azaleas, rhododendrons, lilacs and camellias. Remember the rule "prune the worst first," which means you prune the dead and dying, crossing and sick branches first. Then you can thin the bush and shape it to what you want.

Good gardening.

Jack McKinnon worked in the Sunset Magazine gardens for 12 years and has been a private garden coach for six years. He recently started a gardening school, "Garden Talks with Jack McKinnon" in Pescadero, Calif. He can be reached at 879-3261, or by e-mail at jcmckinnon@earthlink.net.

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