Bad Soil...everything I plant dies.

[Dakota_Lynn]

Hi there! I've never posted in this forum, but I thought maybe somebody here could help me!

I used to love gardening, but since I bought my home, I don't get much pleasure out of it. Everything I put in this rocky soil dies. Besides being rocky, we have a zillion conifer trees out here, and I've been told that creates acidic soil.

Is there anything that can be done about bad soil? We can't even get the grass to grow. We've planted grass seed several times without much luck. Do you know of plants that are particularly hardy? We are trying geraniums this year, and I'm seriously crossing my fingers. I want so badly to see something besides sping tulips in our yard!

I'd appreciate any suggestions!

Dakota

 

[dandave]

Hi and welcome!
First, I would contact my local cooperative extension service for suggestions on grass. They should be able to help you with grass types and possible soil ammendments.
You may want to just try ammending planting holes for the plants you wish to grow. Decide on the spot, turn the dirt, remove the rocks, and add in some good compost.
I have spots of pure sand, spots of heavy construction red clay stuff, etc. It's easier and less expensive for me to fix up each spot as I plant.

Here's a start on acid loving plants:
http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TR...te.edu/Depts/CoopExt/TRA/PLANTS/acidlove.html

 

[DebºoºS]

Your neighbors or garden centers might be of assistance in your situation. I'd ask around and see whats growing in their gardens and ask how they did it. See what works for them.

Some of my fav bushes are acid loving. Azaleas and rhoddies amoung others..

We're adding 5 yards of topsoil again this week to our awful soil. It's a lot of work but well worth it in the end. A little at a time.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Snowwark]

Welcome Dakota!

I just want to say......you Buds are good!!

Let us know what you decide to do, Dakota.

 

[mommytotwo]

We have had challenges with grass also...I would also contact your local garden center and ask them what is the best for the type of soil you have.
As for plants, I am not sure what you have in your area, but you could try impatients and marigolds for flowers. They are fairly easy to grow. And as for plants, do you have any ti plants? They grow really good here and once they are mature, you can just break off a branch and plant it in the ground for another plant to grow.
Good luck with your gardening.

 

[DebºoºS]

OOOh! What are ti plants? I've never heard of them.