In the ongoing saga of the Bumbling Gardener (that’s me)…

Once the moss was cleared, The Scientist did a fair bit of research to determine what the soil needs to be an optimal breeding ground for green, sprouting things. What the garden has going for it:

1. There are lots of earthworms in the soil — this indicates it’s pretty healthy
2. There is little evidence of pests in any quantity or variety
3. Good pH levels
4. Soil that hasn’t been worked or even touched in 10+ years, which means no chemicals have been pumped into it

What the garden has going against it:

1. The soil is clay-ish (not the technical term)
2. There are large-ish stones in evidence
3. There are lots of small stones amongst the soil — The Scientist says this can actually be a good thing as it ensures good drainage
4. There were a lot of weeds covering the area, I’ll need to be vigilant

The Scientist determined that our best bet was to turn in a quantity of manure and add organic bone meal, as well. I was not present for the turning in of the first 2 plots, but can vouch that the task is back breaking after witnessing the transformation of the third.

(Note the pile of roots and stones in the foreground — this is tough, slow-going work!)