I don’t think I’ve mentioned it, but I am gardening in zone 8b, in the Dallas area. I’ve never understood what makes the difference in 8a or 8b. But what I DO know is that the soil I am working in is black clay. Sometimes known as concrete.
So, this past weekend before I could plant some pansies, snapdragons and dianthus, to name a few, I had to take out a wheelbarrow full of clay. Then, I amended the beds with soil + compost. I did have quite a few earthworms, but they evidently aren’t working hard enough.
Just this summer, I started a compost pile. I absconded a 3ft round bale of wire from behind my parent’s garage (my mom was only too thrilled to be rid of it) and have it “hidden” in a back corner. It seems to be coming along fairly well.
So, this winter I will be adding compost to all my beds.
Do you find that you are constantly amending your soil?