Long story short: obtained official soil analysis for family member to grow tomatoes. Findings included low nitrogen and very little organic matter (heavy clay). P, K, and micronutes were all excellent. Recommendations include adding some blood and feather meal, and digging in green waste compost to the soil at 4cu yd/1,000 sq ft. Area is roughly 200sq ft, so, we're looking at just under a cubic yard of compost.
Paralysis by analysis, I've made compost an issue. There's one place that provides it in bulk, however, we don't qualify for the minimum delivery. We can spend $40 more and they'll bag it up for us. My concern is potential herbicides in the material, since they accept clean greens throughout the county. Herbicides are bad for 'maters. A realistic concern?
Next option includes the soil amendments/conditioners from big-box stores (kellogg, G&B, etc). These are half the price, but it's not really a driving factor since overall we're looking at $75 vs $150. But they are bark fines and recycled forest product. Analyst dude says this is okay.
Final option is extra snooty Dr. Earth brand. OMRI certified, and mostly green waste compost with a few bits of unnecessary extras in it. Same price as bagged local compost company. Assume okay and no herbicides due to OMRI?
I'm leaning towards the Dr. Earth option, mostly because it does have the greenwaste compost. Below are links. Wish I could walk away from life and go have my own farm. With an ocean view and temperate weather year round. Next to a few good grocery stores, too, in case I get lazy.
Any opinions or better ideas?
Links to sample products:
Soil Amendment & Compost
Natural Garden Soil - Flowers & Vegetables | Kellogg Garden Organics™
Amend Garden Soil for Flowers & Vegetables | Kellogg Garden Organics™
Natural Choice(R) All Purpose Compost – Dr Earth
Many thanks
advise for soil amendment
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