Question
Hello
Im working on a project for an apartment complex in colonial beach va. Spring of 2006 they had 68 bayberrys planted all have died. Now they want me to replant with needle point holly,nandina,and crape myrtle.The soil is a mixture of clay amd sand very hard. planning to till as good as possible. What would you recommend adding to loosen soil and promote good plant growth. I sent off a soil sample to have tested. Thank You

Answer
Edward,
 I LOVE your question because I have the BEST SUPER SOIL MIXTURE Recipe-we here, in Nebraska, have that same type of soil.

Super Soil Mixture:

  In the established garden areas, I  use a shovel, pitchfork or small cultivator to turn the  areas around the plants each year and work in some of the mix.  Work it into the soil around all your established plants.
 
For new garden beds:
 For every 10?x 10?of NEW area add: (you can cut the portions as needed)

4 bags of good topsoil
4 bags of horse/cow/chicken manure-elephant is the VERY BEST!!
Any amount of your own compost
2 bags sand-play sand is OK(depending on your soil type)
1 bag Millorganite -organic fertilizer, nurseries-not avail. in all states
2 bags cedar mulch
2 bags pellet gypsum (for aeration)-if your soil has lots of clay
2 bags powdered/granulated sulphur

Rototill this mixture into the ground to about 1 foot in depth or more if you can.

This mixture is the best I have formulated and I have GREAT success with it.  I always have a bunch of it premixed so when I transplant I can have that area primed!  This stuff is like butter if you till it enough and put in the right stuff!

MILLORGANITE can be purchased at nurseries , about $12 a bag.  It is organic and will not harm pets or you!  You can put it on the lawn in the spring and again in the fall with a spreader ( I put it on quite heavily) and all your flowers and vegetables.  It is not available in all states.  Your plants and lawn will look LUSH!! Put it in potted plants also--you will really notice the difference!!

I just got my Millorganite about 10 min. ago-delivered by my neighbor.  I have a lot 125' x 60' (with a small house on it) and I got 8 bags to put on the lawn this fall.  You'll be so pleased with the results in the spring!!

Sijka