Tom...play around w some Lime....it'll teach ya...))) another Beauty...))) Ponder...the nature...of what we intensify/build soil with...as well as...the individual desires of certain plant families. Lime..is a Beautiful thing...if you come to understand...how it Is...the Keymaster, sometimes....sometimes...it holds the Key...to unlockin the door...in rich Soil.

Lime...will demonstrate...Pro or Con...in about 3 weeks of application, but it will Really ....Show...the Benefit...in 5 or 6. Lime aint jus to alter soil ph...it Releases...nutrient., makes it readily available...i think u'll get a Kick...if u play w/it some...)))

Plants will Tell ya...if ya Patient..))) Leaves...will UnLock...if lime is added...)))

Sounds great Gimme !

~ Tom

ps. I'm really stoked for 2007 !

Heres something I came across that may interest you. Ami
[URL]http://www.newfarm.org/features/2005/0505/gies/index.shtml[/URL]

Just add it all. The rain forests have a very deep layer of constantly decaying organic matter. We all recognize the remarkable amount of plant growth in those areas. It is this layer of "compost" that allows such remarkable growth. The actual soil of the rain forests is very oxidized and has very low fertility without the layer of compost. That is why the rain forests don't grow back when they are cleared for farming.

Forgot to mention, that I just pile up the leaves as a mulch in the spring. In the fall, I shred up any garden plants that do not appear to be diseased, put down compost with some alfalfa pellets, and grow hairy vetch and rye/wheat for a winter cover crop, cut and mow in the spring, cover with leaves, etc. I don't till. I now have about 2-3 inches of very nice top soil, lots of worms, old leaf matter is nice and black. Continuous fertilization. Works great and about 99% weed free.

well I'm all set - compost, plus seaweed mulch, and straw.

Heres to a great 2007 !

~ Tom

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e94/tomstrees/Start2007Cont-37.jpg[/IMG]