Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2006
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/soilmulch.html

To Amend ... Or Not To Amend
September 2006
Jonathan Anderson, Johnson's West 13th Nursery Manager

    That is the question! At least that was the question heard recently
at a local nursery conference. Should we ... or shouldn't we ... amend
our soils when planting?

   I was surprised to hear that some people do not believe in adding
amendments such as compost to the soil when planting. They believe that
adding compost creates a pocket around the rootball and that it's better
to plant straight into the unamended soil. This theory maintains that
the roots will have a hard time growing out past the amended soil.

    What this theory fails to take into account is that the value of
organic matter is priceless in the quest to successfully grow trees,
shrubs, vegetables, etc. For years, Johnson's Garden Center has
recommended the addition of Gard'n-Wise Cotton Boll Compost to the soil.
We use Cotton Boll Compost in all of our tree plantings and we include
it in our Tree & Shrub Planting Package.

    The benefits of Cotton Boll Compost are many. It helps break down
the clay soils found in both the west and east sides of Wichita, at the
same time it helps the sandy soils in the Riverside area retain
moisture. It aids in giving nutrients, lowers the pH of our alkaline
soils, and helps improve the life of your plants altogether.

    In my experiences as a gardener, Cotton Boll Compost has been a
steady and reliable friend. The organic matter mixed in with the
original soil has helped unify and add specific elements to my soil that
the original soil just can't give it.

    So, while you go through trials and errors in the garden, remember
to give your plants a treat by adding 100% organic Cotton Boll Compost.
It is an inexpensive habit that should not be avoided.