Question
I have been gardening for sometime now; however, I still have lost of questions that I'm looking for answers on.

Do to my current schedule, I have not yet tilled my garden this year, also last year I didn't till my garden at the end of the season so as you can tell it's not in great shape, yet.

Fall 2003 I put on a very heavy amount of straw and sheep manure. I tilled it in spring of 2004, but it took a very long time for it to dry out initially for my to till it in.

I am wanting to get a good loose soil. I haven't had any problems with my harvests; however, Last year I did have a bad problem with aphids, I believe, they were red and white and were on the bottoms of the leaves.

Is it to late to put lime on my garden to help loosen the soil. I have never put lime on my garden and I've used it for at least 5 years.
How much lime should I use? I have a small garden about 10'X 10'.

Any help is appreciated.  

Answer
Tim, the general rule of thumb is 5 lbs. of lime per 100 square feet.  However, lime should only be applied when the PH level of your soil is below 6.5.  PH is the measurement of acidity or alkaline in your soil.  This is normally a problem for those with heavy clay soils living east of the Mississippi river.  The goal is to neutralize the soil to a PH level of 7.0.

My best advice is to purchase a soil test kit at your local garden center.  These are inexpensive and fairly accurate at measuring PH and nutrient levels in your soil.  

If your PH falls below 6.5, I would apply the lime at the rate I mentioned above.  If, however, the PH is above 7.5, then your soil is too alkaline, requiring you to apply sulfur.  Only a test kit can dtermine these levels.

To control aphids, plant onions and garlic liberally throughout your garden.  Both of these plants deter aphids.

Finally, add as much organic materials to your garden as possible.  These would include aged manure, peat moss, shredded leaves, and dried grass clippings.  Compost is also a great addition.  Over the course of time, these amendments will gradually add nutrients to the plants, reducing the amount of fertilizer you will need to apply, and balance the PH level of the soil.  In short, vegetables and flowers thrive in organic soil.

I hope this answered your question.  Good luck, and have a great weekend.

Regards,

Mike