YOU'VE MADE YOUR BED, NOW PLANT IN IT

If someone asked you to draw a tree, and you drew a tree with roots, trunk and crown you might get some funny looks. Thank goodness we are not asked to draw trees often. But the root system is a very important part of any plant and where most plant problems stem - pun intended. The consideration of the soil is a prime factor in a plant's success and it is something we can control.

Control of soil has two aspects. First, pick plants that will grow in the soil you have. For example: don't plant marsh marigolds in the desert or cactus in a swamp. Second, change the soil to meet the requirement of the plant. Changes in the soil will improve the performance of plants and will give you a larger group to choose from. Changing and preparing soil are fundamental building blocks of agriculture and horticulture.

Annual and vegetable beds: These beds should be turned over each fall, if possible, and again each spring. Organic material should be spread over soil and worked in with the spring "turn over." Soil turn over can be done with a rototiller or by hand with a spade or digging fork. The organic material can be composted manure, leaf compost or peat moss, two to three inches deep. The organic material should be evenly mixed into the soil. Organic material does a number of good things for the soil. It improves soil's structure, increasing the soil ability to hold moisture, and promoting a freer flow of oxygen into the soil. The organic material will also aid in the break-down of tied up minerals in our clay soils which can increase fertility. Chemical and granular fertilizers can be added to flower beds at this time. The use of chemical fertilizers in vegetable is a personal choice. If you decide to use them, do it early in the year so by harvest any residue is reduced. Water-based fertilizers can be used through the growing season but the concerns are the same.

Perennial beds: When perennial beds are installed a major effort should be made to prep the soil. This is your last best shot to succeed with these plants. Once the perennials are in the ground it is difficult to improve the soil without damaging roots. Turn the soil over twice if possible, with 3-4 inches of organic material. Another method is to dig out existing soil and replace with fresh blended topsoil about six inches deep. All perennial beds should be raised three or four inches above lawn level, so don't dig out too deep when replacing soil. When plants are divided, re-prep the bed in that spot with organic material. Work organic material into topsoil each spring by carefully cultivating, spreading organic material, and re-cultivating. Chemical fertilizers can be used after or before cultivation. Water-based fertilizers can be used every two weeks during the growing season until July 15th.

The preparation of soil is a rite of spring. It lets us, in a most fundamental way, improve the environment...and gives us a chance to play in the dirt!

Michael W. Jones is a Landscape Architect (414) 258-5525