Spring Soil Preparation

Author Ellen Vande Visse

Tips for Spring Soil Preparation in South Central Alaska

Wisdom from Bob Greig*, Founder of Alaska Sea-Ag

LIME: Use high-calcium lime, rather than dolomite lime (unless your soil test recommends otherwise) You have to ask specifically for it in the stores and check bag labels.

NITROGEN: Use fishbone meal (earthworms love it) with another nitrogen source like fishmeal, bloodmeal, soymeal, cottonseed meal, alfalfa meal. The Fishbone meal is your extra boost of phosphate, calcium, and trace minerals.

TRANSPLANTING: As you transplant, try mixing in a microbe inoculant for minimizing shock and increasing vigor, plus stimulate mycorrhizal development for strong root systems.

SOLUBLE KELP POWDER (Maxicrop): An excellent source of trace elements & potassium or K. Spray this kelp to ward off damping off of seedlings, reduce transplant shock, and resist fungal and bacterial diseases in the greenhouse.

These products will make a positive difference in crop health & vigor.

Where in Mat-Su area to find them:

Lime: Arctic Organics

Fishbone meal: Arctic Organics & Moffitt Farm

Maxicrop: SHOP here at Good Earth Garden School.com under “Soil Amendments”

*Shucks, you may have guessed it. Greigs are my local heroes, dedicating their lives to providing products for crop, soil, and human health.