Gardening answers for locals

By Al Cooke, Ag Extension agent
Posted Thursday, April 19, 2007

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Pittsboro, NC - I've seen enough plants growing around and over railroad ties to suggest that they are not likely to have inhibited the growth of your vegetable plants. Large rocks can certainly be an impediment to tillage, and tillage is often not friendly to nearby trees in residential areas; the roots extend much farther than branches and are important to the trees' longevity. Raised beds are a good alternative and the readily available rocks may be a tool if they are not too big to move. But we may need to continue exploring reasons for your disappointments.

Two specific thoughts on the soil: Gardeners must be concerned with two types of soil properties, physical properties and chemical properties.

Physical: Much of the soil in Chatham County is heavy with high clay content. Low permeability makes clay slow to absorb water. Once it gets wet, it drains poorly and is slow to dry out. If the soil has been subjected to compaction from construction equipment or even regular foot traffic, it may be insufficiently aerated and plants may not thrive. The ability of the soil to absorb and hold water and air is included among its physical properties. Heavy clay soils may be very difficult to dig and work.

Chemical: If the soil has never been farmed or gardened (or even if it has), it may lack nutrients and may not readily yield nutrients to plants even when fertilizers are applied. This nutrient status is referred to as its chemical property. Native soils may be too acid for plants to thrive.

For some suggestions on how to get started with these soil issues, first have a look at my publication "On New Ground" for new residents

Other considerations include your garden site's exposure, selection of plants likely to be successful in this area, planting times, and a number of things that could be different from where you have gardened before. For some basics on vegetable gardening in central North Carolina see Home Vegetable Gardening.

I've only guessed at a few of the potential reasons for problems, and there are many more possibilities. For more depth on issues of soil, vegetables, and a wide range of other topics, see my home horticulture page .