new mulch

[lisared73]

I have some new mulch and am trying to find a better spot in the backyard for my spring vegetable garden. Do I ned to dig up the soil underneath first? I have this very thick clay. What can I add to the mulch to help have a better garden this year? Please list locations for products as well. :lol: [/quote]

[Kathe Kitchens]

Here's what I did recently:

First dig up the grass. It is the best way to prevent your having to constantly battle it once you have put in your garden. Get a shover with a flat tip and cut out the area in about 1 foot squares. Its the easiest way I 've ever done this other than a sod cutter. Go down about 3 inches at least but 6 inches is better. .

Put down some compost and cornmeal, then if the budget & time allow, add lava sand & green sand. Mix the amendments into the top 1-3 inches of soil if you want to, otherwise put it on top and then put your mulch over it. When spring comes your soil should be very easy to manipulate.

DO NOT buy "topsoil" to work into this bed. It is a waste of your time and money. If you want to buy a soil ready mixed, check with Living Earth Technology on their garden mix product. It's nice.

Where to get products? You didn't put where you are on your profile so I couldn't tell you what's closest to you. Let us know and we'll help you find a good place close to you. Have a great time and don't forget you can raise cold weather stuff if you want to and if you get a cold weather row cover. It's really nice to have fresh greens in the winter.

Kathe

[Tony M]

I would add one thing to the great advice Kathe gave you even tho you didn't ask this question. Get some kind of a solid border, steel edge, stone, 2x6 cedar boards, etc or your garden will be full of whatever is directly adjacent to it. Mulch at 4-6 inches and your weed problems will be minimal - NO LANDSCAPE FABRIC!
Tony M