Need advice on renewing soil

by judy
(Elizabeth City, NC)

My semi-formal flower garden has been ignored the past several years due to a heavy work load; but I retired this past year and look forward to renewing the garden this spring.

I don't have enough time to make compost between now and spring. What can I use to renew my soil. I live in coastal NC but have more clay than sand in my soil. Is peat sufficient? Can I use the bagged cow manure found at garden centers? Do I put it on top, or need to dig it it?

Thanks much.

judy

Doug says that peat is good organic matter for gardens - yes, this will work. Lay it down and rake it in if you can so it doesn't sit on top of the soil acting as a mulch.

Using composted manure is one step better than nothing. Instead, try finding a handfull or two of compost from a friend and making compost tea. That will do the trick better than using the manure.

But if you want to use the manure - fine. I'd just lay it down on top of everything and let the rains wash it in. Worms will get it as well and it will disappear pretty fast. If you're feeling you "must" do something :-) rake it in.