Well, my moms had a garden every year for 20 years now in our back yard. Every March i till the dirt for her. She usually dumps like leaves and mulch in the area throughout the year. Well, every year is seems like we done get as much. I remember we use to get alot of tomatoes etc... We plant green bean, cucumbers,bannana peppers, tomatoes, green onions,parsley. I think its a problem that we've done this every year for 20yrs. I think the soil need help. I dont know what i can do to is to replenish it so we get a good turn out! Right now it has some leaves and mulch on this and we have tilled most of the area. Should i add animal manure? what can i add the that will help??

thanks

 

Animal manure should be applied at the end of the growing season. The chemicals in it (nitrogen mostly) will do more harm than good if planted the same season. You can check at a nursery to find what nutrients you need for the plants you grow. Then buy the proper things. One problem may be if she plants the same thing in the same spot each year. It is best to rotate the areas for crops each year since different plants use more of some nutrients than others. Good luck.

 

she usually plants in the same place. I know the soil needs help!!

 

Not all plants need the same nutrients. Tomatoes for example, need calcium to help avoid black bottom fungus. Figure out which plants will be planted where and then buy the proper nutrients for each. At the end of the growing season, till the garden area with the manure added. Horse manure contains more weeds as the digestive system does not digest as much as a cow.

 

Yes, part of the problem is planting the same things in the same spot. Rotate the crops, eg) plant the green beans where the tomatoes used to be, etc.