[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[Dick Gross]

If this "dirt" has weathered in place for a thousand years without being 
contaminated with man-made compounds--some of which might be decent 
components, it is probably okay. Only a soil analysis could make that 
determination conclusively.

Desert soils typically are deficient of organic compounds and the usual 
nutrients, especially Nitrogen, are apt to be absent but have more than 
adequate minerals. You could plant a few things and see how they do. Almost 
anything will flourish in this valley with minimum neglect. I believe all 
desert soils are marginal and need some modification for max growth. Someone 
will correct me if I'm wrong..

But, any established retail nursery is equipped to give you sound advice. If 
it is on their shelves, it is 99% okay. They can't afford to stock species 
that won't survive with average homeowner care and, in my opinion, you can 
trust their judgement but be sure you speak to a certified nurseryman to be 
best informed.

Virtually all home plant failures are due to the owner's ignorance or 
neglect. I can make that statement because I've been there, done that.

Drive around your area to see what is already there. If a plant is 
flourishing in a neighbors yard, chances are, it will grow in yours next 
door or down the street a couple miles.

Dick Gross, MGV UofA MC Cooperative Extension


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <nomoreexs at hotmail.com>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 7:20 PM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


> Greg
> 85233
> nomoreexs at hotmail.com
>
> Is screened dirt a good dirt to use if I am building around my pool to add 
> landscaping quality.  I am using this dirt as mounds for my queen palms 
> and lantana and was wondering as far as nutrient value ....
>
>
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