I just got a plot in a new organic community garden. The soil has a high clay content and is slightly alkaline.
I have access to good compost (based on yard waste such as leaves and grass) and to leaf mulch for free.
At the moment, my plan is to plant tomatoes, zucchini, beans, carrots, flowers, winter squash, and peppers. I live in zone 7, and we have hot, humid summers.
I would welcome suggestions for soil preparation. My gut feeling is to work lots of compost into the soil, which I have done in parts of the plot already. Is it possible to use too much compost?
I'm also a little concerned that my soil might become too alkaline, as the soil test said it had pH 7.2, and I know the compost I'm using is on the alkaline side (pH could be as high as 8). Should I consider getting some peat moss and mixing it in to my soil? Or should I just leave well enough alone?
I'm not terribly concerned about getting high yields out of this garden, as my major objective is for my kids to have an interesting learning experience. But we do want to get something out of it, or it won't be as interesting for any of us!
Oh, and my budget is very limited. Isn't that always the case?
I have access to good compost (based on yard waste such as leaves and grass) and to leaf mulch for free.
At the moment, my plan is to plant tomatoes, zucchini, beans, carrots, flowers, winter squash, and peppers. I live in zone 7, and we have hot, humid summers.
I would welcome suggestions for soil preparation. My gut feeling is to work lots of compost into the soil, which I have done in parts of the plot already. Is it possible to use too much compost?
I'm also a little concerned that my soil might become too alkaline, as the soil test said it had pH 7.2, and I know the compost I'm using is on the alkaline side (pH could be as high as 8). Should I consider getting some peat moss and mixing it in to my soil? Or should I just leave well enough alone?
I'm not terribly concerned about getting high yields out of this garden, as my major objective is for my kids to have an interesting learning experience. But we do want to get something out of it, or it won't be as interesting for any of us!
Oh, and my budget is very limited. Isn't that always the case?
) and filled it with straight compost. there is only a tiny bit of soil in my compost. a year and a half later those plants are still growing strong. i did have to fill in a little more, as the compost shrinks, but you should not have that problem in a community garden with actual soil. 
