Thepizzaguy

I'm going to be starting my outdoor grow in a week or two. I was lucky to have marked an area last fall and the trees and shade will not be an issue this year for the south facing area. The spot is also closer to a water source than last year. The water source did not dry up by October. It's a pond or something.

Here's what I've done so far. I clear the area of all leaves, branches, sticks, and debis. I have a hole digger that I used to cut holes in the ground last week. The tool is like a hollow tube you push into the ground to make a 3" diameter hole upto 12 inches deep. After the hole is made, just squeeze the handle and the dirt clod falls out. It also came in very handy in my mom's garden when I planted her bulbs.

The area I live in underwent major renovations over a 5 year period to remove coal tar, benzine, and other chemical that were being held in underground storage tanks from the 1920's. All the old growth was removed, and new trees have been planted.

Around all the new trees all up and down the block is a 5' diameter circle of new clean soils and mulch. I work the mulch next door to remove the dandilions so my yard doesn't get infected and found the soil and mulch very workable, soft and of a decent grade. This will be my soil for my summer grow.

When I'm sure the last freeze/frost has taken place, I will be taking a sum of the soil mixture to fill the holes I made in the ground at my plot and over time spread the mulch around my plants to control weeds and to assist in retaining moisture for the palnts.

I encourage everyone growing outdoors this year to use this thread, and together we can keep all the outdoor information and advice in a single handy thread.

Good Luck All!