How do I restore my garden soil

Hi Cathy,

I think the first you have to test your soil. You can buy a soil testing kit pretty reasonably at Home Depot, Walmart or places like that. That will tell you if it's too acidic or alkaline. When the tree was taken down, were the roots also removed? If not, you'll need to take that into consideration. Click on the link below if you have roots. It also will give you steps to take for your soil after or if the roots are gone. Wishing you the best.

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/fix-soil-tree-stump-ground-45163.html

Have your soil tested by the local country extension office to be sure what your needs are.

I hope you got a great price for that tree. The branches, trunk and roots are valuable. ☺️

The problem is not PH. It is juglone, a poison given off into the soil from the black walnut tree that kills any plant that comes in contact with it. I don't know how long the tree has to be gone before it's safe to plant anything else. More info: https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/toxicity-of-black-walnuts-towards-other-plants/

It is probably highly acidic from the tree. You can add organic material and lime. You can get it tested at your local agriculture extension office.

Have a load of topsoil brought in and start fresh

Thank you for answering! I have never heard about juglone. I will check this out.

An easy way to determine the composition of your soil is to fill a quart jar 3/4 full with your soil and add water to fill the jar. Seal it and set it away where it will not be disturbed to let the soils settle out. After about a week you should be able to see results. The longer you let it sit, the better the soil will separate. Borrowed from someone else's share, but a good and inexpensive tool.