Comment

Comment by Don Reeves on November 17, 2011 at 5:59pm

Amend the native soil with generous amounts of compost, vermiculite, composted horse manure, and even sand to help oxygen and moisture to reach the roots of your garden plants. If you observe the native forests, you will find a rich variety of native plants that are the near-jungle level of luxurious growth.

Comment by Don Reeves on November 17, 2011 at 5:58pm

Not only are raised beds a good solution to gardening in Tennessee clay, but if you choose to use the native soil, then, amending the soil, and mulching the weeds is a must. First, have a soil analysis done at the Ellington Agricultural Center, in Nashville. Tell the "AG" department what it is you want to grow and they will make soil recommendations based on your soil sample. Secondly, never use a roto-tiller on your garden soil until the soil has dried out from the spring rains, (better yet, till your garden in the drier Fall season). If you use a shovel or tiller while the soil is still too wet, then the clay will harden as hard as a brick! Weeds indicate that things do grow well in native soil, but to keep them from taking over your garden, you must mulch extensively.

Comment by Christine C on October 24, 2011 at 5:05pm

The secret to grown things in hard clay soil........drum roll please........Raised Beds.  So there you have it!!!! lol

Comment by Lina Russell on April 2, 2011 at 2:24am

Jewel weed, otherwise knwon as touch - me not, especially the orange spotted variety, is a natural poison oak/ivy... remedy!!!  It is loely, hummingbirds love it, and it grows native in TN!!!!!  Hard to find for planting.  I am looking for plants or seeds that I can afford right now!

Comment by Laura Floyd on October 28, 2010 at 10:32am

Hi, I moved to Athens, TN 8 years ago. Still can't figure out what to do with my hard clay soil and Weeds galore.

Contributing Gardener Comment by Michelle Compton on August 25, 2010 at 6:50pm

Hi everyone! I'm in Germantown. A few of you I know and hope to get to know the rest of you. It's good to share stories, ideals and pics with others from my backyard, so to speak. I also lived in Johnson City for 6 years. Love East TN. It's such a great state with so much to offer. Jenny, I don't grow veggies, don't have the space but your garden looks lovely. Have a blessed week everyone!:)))

Comment by Bob Frey on August 19, 2010 at 8:05am

Hi,
Just moved to Clinton, Tenn. from NY. Boy this soil here is really hard. Whats the secret to growing stuff in clay?

Comment by Jenny McCleary on July 6, 2010 at 9:32am

Anybody from the Memphis, TN area that knows ALOT about vegetable gardening? Could always use advice as I am a beginner!

Comment by Robin Zaleski on February 27, 2010 at 7:34pm

Hello I live in Kodak Tn and I am a back yard gardener! Flowers are my weakness! I can't stand to throw anything away ! I am constantly rooting something or dividing something! Seeds are always being planted or collected. I can't wait for this spring! I plant several special iris bulbs in the fall and can't wait to see what will pop up in a few months!!! I hope I can learn some good things and be able to contribute a little to this club.! What fun! I can finally talk to dirt diggers just like me!!! I take lots of pictures!if you'd like to see some of my photos from last year your welcome to look at my page!! I hope to make friends with you!

Comment by Julie Rohmann on July 7, 2009 at 4:30pm

Meant to post my question about poison ivy here but it went elsewhere. Anyone have any good ideas for dealing with it.

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