[dillonandmarasmom]

I am planning on putting my zucchini into the ground today, but we will first ammend the soil. So, should we pick up compost? Steer manure? Peat? I really want a lot of zucch's (they're like crack around here

), and last year they did not do well.

Also, should I trellis my lemon cucumbers?

Excited to get things into the ground and out of the laundry room. It is finally calm (wind has been blowing for a week), and the sun is shining.

I am zone 8, btw.

TIA mamas!

 

[greeny]

I love mushroom humus and composted manure. I'm just outside Chicago, which I think is Zone 5 (some say 6), so I don't know if that makes a difference...

 

[dillonandmarasmom]

Those are two of the main components to my soil each year. Steer manure is like steroids to my tomatoes! (But, keeping my dog out has been a trick

).

Thanks greeny

.

 

[AnnieinBC]

All year long, I save all my eggshells in a can, crush them small. Also coffee grounds.

Before I plant I throw some of each into the holes....it helps to build up the soil.

Annie

 

[Liquesce]

For zucchini, compost, compost, and more compost. I like alfalfa meal, too.

If your plants are healthy and flowering but you're just not getting a good yield, you might try hand-pollinating, or planting some other things that help to attract bees.

 

[dillonandmarasmom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquesce For zucchini, compost, compost, and more compost. I like alfalfa meal, too. If your plants are healthy and flowering but you're just not getting a good yield, you might try hand-pollinating, or planting some other things that help to attract bees.

I added a lot (like 6") of compost and some composted manure yesterday. It is raining today (it had been sunny), and it is supposed to clear up at some point. As soon as I get a good day, my zucchs will go in the ground.

I always throw the coffee grounds into the composter. Unfortunately, my compost still has a ways to go before I can put it to use...

 

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

Compost, compost, compost. You can never have too much. And a nice layer of mulch over the soil after you plant.

I also second pollinating.

Not really a soil amendment but, last year I started making a seaweed tea. I used nori seaweed that's sold in sheets for making sushi. You should be able to get in in most grocery stores. I break a sheet into pieces and put in in a mason jar of water and let it sit for a day or two. Then I strain out the bits and dilute with water. I wasn't all that exact but I would put about 1/4 of the mason jar liquid into my watering can and fill the rest with water. I used this to water after planting and throughout the growing season. Everything did really well.

Warning though the tea stinks like rotting fish.