Flowers Did Not Grow Well This Year? 2 Ways You Can Improve The Soil

Posted on: 13 October 2016

If your flowers did not grow well this year, it could be due to many things, such as they were planted in the wrong location or they got too much or not enough water. Another thing that can be the problem is the soil may need to be improved. Below are two ways you can improve your soil so you can have healthy flowers next year.

Activated Charcoal 

Manufacturers make activated charcoal by heating traditional charcoal in the presence of a type of gas. This charcoal then develops lots of pores (internal space). These tiny spores trap harmful chemicals. It is often used for medical purposes but it can also be used to improve your gardening soil.

Soil can become contaminated due to chemicals, but soil can also become contaminated naturally. If your soil is having this problem, activated charcoal can remove the chemicals. Activated charcoal is also a soil conditioner. You can purchase horticultural activated charcoal at most garden centers.

If you choose to use activated charcoal in your garden it is important that you do not use too much. Measure the square footage of your flower garden and then use approximately a pound of charcoal for every two to three square feet.

Use a tiller to till the garden to a depth of approximately eight to ten inches. Remove any debris, such as rocks and roots. Spread the activated charcoal over the soil in an even layer. When you are finished, use the tiller to till the activated charcoal into the soil.

When you are finished, water and fertilize the garden with a general purpose fertilizer. Purchase this fertilizer at a garden canter. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer on how to apply it to your garden. The activated charcoal will retain both the fertilizer and the water much longer to keep your garden healthy.

Compost

Compost is another way to improve the quality of your soil. You can purchase bagged compost at any garden center. This is made of composted manure. This works great because manure is full of nutrients that your flowers need, such as nitrogen. Phosphorous and potassium. When you add composted manure to soil, it loosens the soil so it can better retain moisture.

Spread the composted manure to a depth of approximately two to three inches evenly over the soil. Use the tiller to mix the compost well within the soil.

When you are finished, you can also put about an inch or so of compost on top of the soil and then put mulch over the compost. This is a great way for your garden to retain water for your flowers.

If you do not want to use composted manure, you can make your own compost.

If you continue to have problems with your flowers, contact a landscaper in your area to help you.

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