Shoutout to the retired botanist I met at the community garden last spring

I was out planting tomatoes at the Wilson Street garden back in April when this older gentleman walked over and started looking at my soil. He didn't say anything for a good minute, just grabbed a handful and rubbed it between his fingers. Then he told me I had too much clay and not enough organic matter, and that my plants would struggle unless I mixed in some compost. I was a little offended at first, because I'd been gardening for years. But he showed me his plot across the way, and his tomatoes were twice the size of mine. He spent 20 minutes explaining how he tests his soil pH every season and what amendments he uses. It made me realize I've been winging it for too long without the science part. Now I'm wondering how many other casual gardeners are missing out on basic botany knowledge. Has anyone else had a stranger walk up and give you advice that turned out to be spot on?

2 comments

2 Comments

ivanross19d ago

Tbh had a old dude at the hardware store school me on compost ratios. Changed my whole garden.

emery_flores19d ago

Wait what ratio was he pushing because my pile's been getting too wet lately lol