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Mount Prospect,illinois

While this is still smack in the middle of growing season ( and i am not giving up), i am also trying to get things inline for next year fromwhat i have already learned this year. One issue i have resolved is composted manure. I have found a farm that is giving away their horse/cow poop compost. Another issue is i am looking for a better location other than my backyard. If anyone in the North burbs of Chicago knows of a good location please let me know. I know this limits the response to a select few that are on this board but what the heck.

7/27/2006 10:17:13 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Yo Dave,
Check out your local nurserys.....we found one that had extra space and was more than happy to have one growing on their land....another bennie is their knowledge, and access to materials and tractors......Good Luck
Wiz

7/27/2006 10:57:20 AM

Mount Prospect,illinois

Good idea, There are a few in my area or at least on my way to/from work.

7/27/2006 1:05:09 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

You need to start now too cuz we started in June, way too late. We have 6 started and there now just starting to lay down.....We hope only to have some nice seed punkin and a 400lbder if we are lucky. Now next year.....hope to be different
Wiz

7/27/2006 2:02:52 PM

Mount Prospect,illinois

Hey Wiz,
I am hoping to get a better location for next year. It is too late to start over this year. I am going to look into the nursery thing.

7/27/2006 3:53:45 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

It would depend on the condition of the lot. We had years worth of weeds and concrete was softer that this dirt. So I would start prepin the plot if you can obtain a plot,,,,dirt is more than half the success in my book.

7/27/2006 4:07:35 PM

ENGLAND

Dave. Da Wiz is absolutely correct and it would be best to find and strat the preparation of a new Patch now as you will be able to evaluate what will be needed to get it into the best possible shape for next Growing Season. Manures, other Organic Matter, Amendments after a soil analysis are all things that can be done now and a re-test early next Spring will give you an indication of how the amendments have incorporated into the soil structure.

Then, any adjustments that may need doing can be made a few weeks to a month before planting to allow those to be incorporated into the soil structure.

Regards
Mike

7/28/2006 8:07:31 AM

Midwest

Dave:

why not ask that farm owner who is giving away the compost? Also, Botanical Garden may need someone with your experience to do things right! I wonder why Didier isn't growing their own? Do you think they may let you use a piece of their property?
Greg

7/28/2006 1:20:34 PM

Mount Prospect,illinois

Thanks guys,
Greg, I think the farm would probably do it but it is about 30 minutes away and that would not sit well with my wife if i were to make that trek everyday. Another problem is that it is the opposite direction of my work. Dunno about Didier but they are also a bit far for daily treks. I may try if i cannot find another place closer.
Thanks again.

7/28/2006 5:09:15 PM