Topsoil around plants?

JJ05

JJ05

Well-Known Member
Hey crew! Just got done transplanting today, however I grow in an area thats susceptible to flooding with heavy rain. SO what we did was dug the holes, filled them with about 1 bag of FFOF per hole then we put a mixture of Topsoil,Humus and Manure around the plants, ontop of the FFOF to act as a barrier of sorts to the heavy rain water, hoping it would absorb and somewhat prevent the flooding. According to our calulations each plant got about 3-5 gallons of the mixture around the top/base of 8 plants to cover the exposed FFOF. Do you guys reckon this will hinder watering? My concern is when I water and provide nutrients will they be able to reach the FFOF beneath the topsoil mixture barrier?
 
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xp0c

xp0c

Well-Known Member
If it does flood, you will probably end up with a couple holes where your plants were. Better off finding a new spot.
 
wvblazin

wvblazin

Well-Known Member
it would've been a good idea to put a layer of gravel or rocks at the bottoms of the holes to help drainage. One of my plots is in an area similar to yours... be sure to keep a close eye on your plants for nutrient deficiencies.
 
JJ05

JJ05

Well-Known Member
wvblazin said:
it would've been a good idea to put a layer of gravel or rocks at the bottoms of the holes to help drainage. One of my plots is in an area similar to yours... be sure to keep a close eye on your plants for nutrient deficiencies.
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Damn! I should of put some rocks or sand :(. I never thought of that. The soil is primarily clay and very hard which is why I dig and fill in with fox farm. I was hoping the topsoil would prevent the rain from automatically filling the hole, I guess time shall tell!
 
JJ05

JJ05

Well-Known Member
Also, they shouldnt be deficient in FFOF for sometime, I usually get away with a few weeks to a month after filling a hole in with it
 
wvblazin

wvblazin

Well-Known Member
JJ05 said:
Also, they shouldnt be deficient in FFOF for sometime, I usually get away with a few weeks to a month after filling a hole in with it
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In my case.. with the shitty weather and constant rain, in that one spot I noticed that some of the plants leaves started yellowing on the bottom branches. I think that it washed most of the nutrients out of the soil because I gave them nutes as soon as I noticed the yellowing and its stopped. The soil mixture that I used should've been enough to last 4-6 weeks.
Are you on the east coast?
 
JJ05

JJ05

Well-Known Member
wvblazin said:
In my case.. with the shitty weather and constant rain, in that one spot I noticed that some of the plants leaves started yellowing on the bottom branches. I think that it washed most of the nutrients out of the soil because I gave them nutes as soon as I noticed the yellowing and its stopped. The soil mixture that I used should've been enough to last 4-6 weeks.
Are you on the east coast?
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Yeah man, east coast here. Its calling for rain the next 10 day straight! That happened to me last year after a few heavy rains and my holes would full, I agree, the nutes were probably washed away. Lets hope this topsoil does SOMETHING to help
 
wvblazin

wvblazin

Well-Known Member
JJ05 said:
Yeah man, east coast here. Its calling for rain the next 10 day straight! That happened to me last year after a few heavy rains and my holes would full, I agree, the nutes were probably washed away. Lets hope this topsoil does SOMETHING to help
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Yeah its been shitty weather for sure. Last season was almost perfect where I'm at. I've been feeding my plants a day or two before the heavy rains hit then again a day after it stops.. when the soil dries up a bit. I really hope that the weather goes back to normal after this next bout of rain.
 
JJ05

JJ05

Well-Known Member
wvblazin said:
Yeah its been shitty weather for sure. Last season was almost perfect where I'm at. I've been feeding my plants a day or two before the heavy rains hit then again a day after it stops.. when the soil dries up a bit. I really hope that the weather goes back to normal after this next bout of rain.
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Have you ever used top soil around your plants? Its some pretty heavy shit, I think it may prevent them from flooding, atleast help so it does not fill the hole immediately. The heavy rain would literally run threw that FFOF with NO PROBLEM, fill the holes up and leave me with a mess, so I figured this year why not put something a bit heavier ontop of tthe FFOF, it may, or may not help. We are expecting more rain today so I will let ya know. I just hope im able to get water threw that topsoil when I go to water/feed. I mean it should find its way to the plant right? It may not drain aswell but im sure it wont keep water out.
 
JJ05

JJ05

Well-Known Member
Well it rained today, the holes didnt flood so I guess the topsoil I added was a decent barrier, I just hope it lets some water get in to the FFOF beneath it.
 
wvblazin

wvblazin

Well-Known Member
Yeah, I always add a layer of native soil to hide my soil mixture. Its always much darker and the perlite sticks out like a sore thumb.. so I'll normally add like an inch of regular soil to hide all that.
As far as feeding, just water it in slow so it doesn't run off and you'll be alright.
 
JJ05

JJ05

Well-Known Member
wvblazin said:
Yeah, I always add a layer of native soil to hide my soil mixture. Its always much darker and the perlite sticks out like a sore thumb.. so I'll normally add like an inch of regular soil to hide all that.
As far as feeding, just water it in slow so it doesn't run off and you'll be alright.
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Awesome, the Topsoil/humus and manure mix I am using is insanely dark lol. ALOT darker than the FFOF, it kinda sticks out like a sore thumb but its alright. Its a pretty excluded spot.
 
wvblazin

wvblazin

Well-Known Member
Yeah, I hear ya. Good luck with your grow this year.. Hopefully the weather gets a lil better for us.
 
Happygirl

Happygirl

Well-Known Member
Northeast here also I think we will have a much steadier remainder of the season good luck on ya alls grow. My Ph was down I think it was because of so much water washing out nutes. Only second time feeding due to the fact Ocean Forest comes nutrient ready! Been about a month since they were potted didn't want to over feed.
 
Garden Boss

Garden Boss

Well-Known Member
JJ05 said:
Well it rained today, the holes didnt flood so I guess the topsoil I added was a decent barrier, I just hope it lets some water get in to the FFOF beneath it.
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The top layer of soil is irrelevant if you have standing water an inch below ground (Suffocation). I recommend smart pots on an elevated area. If its to late, I would dig a pit 5 feet away from your babies, to draw and pool water. Good luck.
 
wvblazin

wvblazin

Well-Known Member
Happygirl said:
Northeast here also I think we will have a much steadier remainder of the season good luck on ya alls grow. My Ph was down I think it was because of so much water washing out nutes. Only second time feeding due to the fact Ocean Forest comes nutrient ready! Been about a month since they were potted didn't want to over feed.
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I really hope so.. The forecast has been changing hourly lately.
 
veggiegardener

veggiegardener

Well-Known Member
Personal opinion: NEVER try to 'seal off" your growing medium. Worms will restore drainage, and the heavy soil slows evapration of excess water. I've used raised beds for 40 years. Flooding is never an issue. My native soil is adobe. If raised beds aren't doable, Plant you girls in 6 inch high mounds, about 3 feet across with good potting soil mixed with your native soil. Best of luck!
 
JJ05

JJ05

Well-Known Member
Thanks all! We had an INSANE storm last night and today :( fucking flooded my basement and all. I dunno wtf is up with this June but its HORRIBLE thus far. Im hoping my girls make it
 
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