Let’s talk dirt

My mistakes are nothing if not well-documented around here. And right at the top of the List of Helpful Stuff I’ve Learned is that soil needs to be investigated long before anything gets planted. Like, while it’s cold. Like while I’d rather not set foot in the yard due to sheer wimpiness. Like long before I’m chasing a season like a kite tail.

I have several resources for gardening assistance, but only one I call Mr. The Bruce.

Mr. The Bruce works at one of my favorite garden centers and has to wrap a bandage around his glowing green thumb so strangers won’t stare. He is the father of a dear friend {and very talented writer}, and the husband to one of the classiest ladies I know. Needless to say, I think a lot of their family.

And he’s helping me get in the right mindset for Dealing With This Dirt.

So in case you find yourself in the same spot as me, here’s the plan via Mr. The Bruce, in his own words {of course}:

“I decided today to do another test.  On two rows I’ll put Black Kow/Mushroom compost.  On remaining 4 rows I’ll use Mighty Grow and Pro-Mix Bx.  I’ll go with the winner in the future.  Still, Tomato Tone on tomatoes is a must no matter what.  Oh, and fish/seaweed fert on peas.  Gives ’em a real kick.  When I till the soil in the spring for planting, if I don’t see any worms I’ll have to add worm castings.  The whole thing is an “if/then” process with me.  You get a feel after a few years.”

I should probably tell Mr. The Bruce that they didn’t let me into medical school based on my poor if/then decision making skills. Never mind that I will still cry if the tomatoes die…at least I’m not killing a person.

Mr. The Bruce recommended a great book called The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible, and I will leave you with some words from it and nod and furrow my brow as I reread them pretending all the while that this will not be the first season I try to take this advice to heart:

“A poor gardener grows weeds, a good gardener grows vegetables, and a very good gardener grows soil.”

Ah, yes, precisely my thoughts all these years, Mr. Edward C. Smith…nod, nod…furrow, furrow…