Soil Life and Feel
These observations were made during 2022. I will continue to observe in more detail this upcoming year, and will update this record with photos and information as I do.
The soil in the front yard and in the back yard garden beds is very shallow, under which is a thick layer of weed fabric. Under the weed fabric the soil is compacted, heavy on clay and small stones. The soil would need to be regenerated or replaced prior to adding any plantings.
The back yard lawn is also very compacted. Runoff from the neighbor’s paved driveway often causes the eastern edge to puddle and retain water during rain fall.
Overall, the soil feels compacted and hard scrabble.
We installed raised beds in the front yard in 2022 containing organic raised bed soil. I conducted the DIY soil tests on the raised bed soil using the sausage test, infiltration test, and jar test. I will conduct a soil test, including pH, in the spring of 2023.
Winter 2022 planting of garlic and shallots
Sausage test
The sausage test indicates loamy soil with silt and sand.
Jar Test
The jar test is another way to identify soil type.
Our jar test indicates more clay than the ideal ratio.
Infiltration Test
The infiltration test suggests both the presence of sandy soil, because it drained rapidly at first, and clay soil, because of the length of time to drain completely.
Soil Test Results and pH
pH and soil testing will be conducted in the spring of 2023.