Welcome to the Bananas.org forums. You're currently viewing our message boards as a guest which gives you limited access to participate in discussions and access our other features such as our wiki and photo gallery. By joining our community, you'll have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload photos, and access many other special features. Registration is fast and simple, so please join our community today! If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us. |
|
Register | Photo Gallery | Classifieds | Wiki | Chat | Map | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
Banana Plant Soil, Additives, and Fertilizer This forum is an area where you may discuss the soil to grow banana plants in, as well as soil additives such as teas, composts, manures, fertilizers and related topics. |
Members currently in the chatroom: 0 | |
The most chatters online in one day was 17, 09-06-2009. No one is currently using the chat. |
Email this Page |
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools |
09-12-2009, 01:15 PM | #1 (permalink) |
Location: Ventura, CA
Zone: 9-10
Name: Andy
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 122
BananaBucks
: 45,537
Feedback: 1 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 4 Times
Was
Thanked 283 Times in 48 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times
|
Peat Moss as a Soil Ammendment?
I've been ammending my soil over the last few months fairly heavily; I've removed the top 1-2 feet of clay soil (think solid clay brick) from my main planting beds and added in compost, manure, and sand in an effort to get a near homogeneous mixture down to a depth of ~3 feet.
My assumption is that the peat moss is to add some water retention characteristics as well as some organic material. With my soil composition I don't think water retention is an issue and I've added in quite a bit of organic material including cottonseed meal, alfalfa meal, manure, and compost. So, am I missing out on anything by not adding in peat moss? Thanks- Andy |
Said thanks: |
Sponsors |
09-12-2009, 01:20 PM | #2 (permalink) |
Orang Puteh
Location: Washington Twp N.J.
Zone: 6a
Name: bob
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,528
BananaBucks
: 205,027
Feedback: 12 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 9,537 Times
Was
Thanked 4,058 Times in 1,694 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 565 Times
|
Re: Peat Moss as a Soil Ammendment?
It sounds like you have a great mix already. I always add a heavy dose of peat in my clay soil here and it has done well for me.
|
Said thanks: |
09-12-2009, 03:20 PM | #3 (permalink) |
tropical nut
Zone: 5
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,115
BananaBucks
: 336,176
Feedback: 1 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 2,946 Times
Was
Thanked 2,510 Times in 1,203 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 69 Times
|
Re: Peat Moss as a Soil Ammendment?
Sounds like a lot work - esp going down 3 ft. Nothing wrong with adding some peat, but then it sounds like you now have good soil. I added a lot of peat & horse manure to my garden this spring (all clay) & will do same next spring. It certainly makes a better soil.
__________________
Got a lite? Patty ____ Patty in Wisc has sadly passed away 9/05/11. We will miss you Patty. |
09-13-2009, 01:08 AM | #4 (permalink) |
un-Retired
Location: Vista, CA
Zone: USDA 10b
Name: Richard
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,674
BananaBucks
: 500,579
Feedback: 9 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times
Was
Thanked 12,543 Times in 4,721 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times
|
Re: Peat Moss as a Soil Ammendment?
You're in Ventura ... I believe you have the tidal clay? Peat Moss will help keep your soil on the acidic side for 3 to 5 years, and much longer if you keep your water supply from being alkaline.
I'm hoping you added horticultural sand. The "playground" sand sold in bulk is usually treated with herbicides and sometimes insecticides too. The dust material in horticultural sand is beneficial to plants. Another good choice is common 3/8 inch gravel (in moderation).
__________________
Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com |
09-13-2009, 01:18 AM | #5 (permalink) |
Location: Ventura, CA
Zone: 9-10
Name: Andy
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 122
BananaBucks
: 45,537
Feedback: 1 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 4 Times
Was
Thanked 283 Times in 48 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times
|
Re: Peat Moss as a Soil Ammendment?
So much for Organic Doesn't make a lot of sense as to why they'd do it though as one of the main uses is for playgrounds...
Great tip on the pH though, I knew there must be something beneficial to it (for me). I've also looked at all the washed up kelp on the beach after reading another members post... Most of the "fresh" kelp was swarming with flies though... though maybe the dried out stuff could be considered composted Either way it didn't seem like the type of stuff I'd wanna throw in the back of the car without at least double bagging it |
Sponsors |
09-14-2009, 10:01 AM | #6 (permalink) |
Location: Pensacola, FL
Zone: 8/9
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,013
BananaBucks
: 65,470
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 177 Times
Was
Thanked 731 Times in 395 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 154 Times
|
Re: Peat Moss as a Soil Ammendment?
One of the biggest advantages of peat moss is it is more durable than most other types of organic matter.
As for the kelp, I would compost it or at least wash it to remove the sea salt before using it. One other point about amendments in clay soil--if you dig a hole in clay soil that does not drain, it is like having a pot without a drain. The organic matter then acts like a sponge and fills up with water --displacing oxygen--this can lead to root rot. However, if you have a slope so that you can create a hole that drains out the side, amendments will make your clay soil a very good media. The other option is to make a mixture of organic matter and the clay soil and use it as a raised bed. |
Email this Page |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Well drained soil | shnphan | Main Banana Discussion | 2 | 05-28-2009 06:35 PM |
Moss? | cinemike | Banana Seed Germination Forum | 5 | 04-23-2009 08:35 AM |
Soil conditioner | asacomm | Main Banana Discussion | 9 | 10-10-2008 03:36 PM |
Need Help With Soil | sunfish | Main Banana Discussion | 9 | 06-17-2008 10:40 PM |
Wow With Peat Moss | xavierdlc61887 | Main Banana Discussion | 2 | 03-20-2008 09:20 PM |