Preparing For next Year.

*

I must seem really dumb but at least I'm having fun. I would be happier though if I knew what I was doing.

As I stated in an earlier post... my garden is in virgin soil consisting of red clay and enough rocks to build a castle.

I know I have to amend the soil for next year but my question is what should I use?

I have plenty of leaves and yard clippings I am saving to till in this fall. But I feel that I need more than just that.

Should I buy a truck load of commercial compost....should I use cow manure compost or should I use both?

From what I have read I need to till in about a 6 inch layer but 6 inches of what?

I have about $300 invested in the garden this year and if I get $50 dollars of veggies I will be surprised.

I have jalapeños*and banana peppers*coming out of the "ying-yang" (but not as hot as I would like. The bell peppers are starting to develop.

So in all, this season has been a flop but with the proper advice I am sure I can have a garden next year that will be great.

Also my corn grew to about 4 feet tall, tasseled out and is trying to make ears but if I get 1 good ear I Will be lucky.

Our rain fall has been very scant and I am sure this is one reason foe such poor performance even though I have watered like crazy...butI do know enough that one good soaking rain will do more than 2 weeks of watering.

All advice is greatly appreciated.

* Note to Newt

You have been such a great help i need your address so I can send you Xmas cards...Many thanks!

Gerry

[Newt]

Gerry, you don't seem dumb at all!* Asking questions is how I learn too.* :)* To amend you soil the best thing you can use is organic matter.* You've got it right - compost, leaves, yard and grass clippings that haven't been treated with herbicides or pesticides, etc.* As far as the manure goes, it depends on how fertile your soil is and what it needs.** A soil test from your local extension service is always helpful to know what is missing and what is needed.*
http://www.ncsu.edu/extension/

Since your soil is so compacted you might want to do sheet composting aka lasagna composting over the winter.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organ...Gardening.aspx
http://www.bconnex.net/~carolw/lasagna1.html

If you find you don't have enough 'greens' you can get spent coffee grounds from your local Starbucks.* They have a program for gardeners and share their goodies.* Be sure to have some type of large tub to take with you to put the bag in.
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/cons...ws/04-star.htm

You can also ask for the trimmings from a local sandwich shop or salad cafe.* Use your kitchen trimmings too.* You just need a balance of greens and browns.* It takes more then just one year to build the soil, but eventually you will have great soil.

Btw, I'll take a salad instead of a card!* :)* I'm glad I can help.

Newt