November 14, 2017
This is Jason Lamb with your Gardening Minute.
Understanding
Garden soils is important in gardening. We are not simply talking about “dirt”.
Soil is the makeup of sand, silt, and clay.
Sand
is the largest particle in size, is course textured, and allows air and water
to penetrate into the soil. Silt is composed of smaller particles and feels
like talcum powder when rubbed between your fingers. It holds water and
nutrients better than sand. Clay is the smallest particle, are flat in
structure and when wet, stick together and can be very slippery. Clay holds
water and nutrients better than the other components.
The
ideal soil for gardening is a “loam soil” that is the appropriate mixture of
sand, silt, and clay. About 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. Loam soils generally contain more nutrients, moisture,
and humus than sandy soils. They have better drainage and infiltration of water
and air than silt and clay-rich soils and are easier to till. Loam
soil are soft and crumbly to the touch.
Adding compost to a clay
soil can increase its nutrient and water holding capacity and make it more
manageable for garden plants. Manure may also be applied to increase nitrogen
in to your soil.
If you would like more
information on garden soils please contact the Extension office at 461-0562. We will be hosting a “private applicators
workshop” on November 21 at the Tucumcari Convention Center at 8:00am. Call the
office to RSVP. This has been your Gardening Minute with Jason Lamb your Quay
County Ag. Extension Agent. Where our programs are open to everyone.
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