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Decomposed Leaves and Things

 
Posts: 4
Location: Maine
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I have an off grid cabin on an island in a freshwater Maine lake. The ground composition on the island is solid ledge then 3' clay/sand then 10"-16"  decomposed trees and other organic matter. And rocks.  My dock is in a shallow bay that is off the main lake flowage.  20" plus of organic muck has accumulated over the years, primarily from Oak and Maple leaves. I dredge the muck around my dock and use the muck to terraform my boulder strewn property.  I planted some per perennials in a dried muck bed and they are doing great. Should I mix anything into the muck soil to start a vegetable garden? Mostly tomatoes, cukes, squash and maybe carrots.
 
pollinator
Posts: 335
Location: Central Texas
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Carrots I know need fine soil or else they will split. But I’d say if you’re growing things well I’d let it continue. Tomato and cuc squash etc I’ve been able to grow in straight garbage soil. So I think you will be good.

The “muck” pulled out of my pond was absurdly good soil compared to the rest of the dry land.
 
pollinator
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Hartley, I would suggest adding some coarse sand or fine gravel to help improve aeration in your muck to give your plant roots some growing room;
 
Every time you till, you lose 30% of your organic matter. But this tiny ad is durable:
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