Author Question: Discuss the difference in approaches you would take when preparing a heavy, clayey garden soil ... (Read 93 times)

casperchen82 · **on:** Jul 21, 2018

Discuss the difference in approaches you would take when preparing a heavy,
clayey garden soil versus a sandy garden soil.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the difference between broadcasting and side-dressing when applying
fertilizer?

What will be an ideal response?

sokh · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

To prepare a heavy, clayey garden soil, plow in the fall of the year to allow the soil to be
planted earlier in the spring because plowed soil dries more quickly than soil left
unplowed. Plow under barnyard manure, crop residue, or leaves to add organic matter
to the soil. For sandy soil, planted with a fall cover crop such as rye or vetch to grow
green manure and then plowed in early spring. Sandy soils require a high level of organic
matter to assist in holding moisture and plant food.

Answer to Question 2

The term broadcasting fertilizer means spreading fertilizer evenly over the entire soil
surface and then mixing half the amount into the soil before planting. Side-dressing
means placing fertilizer on the top of the soil around each plant; this is done later in the
season once the plants are established.