[Magdalen] Another "worthless" food.

[Lynn Ronkainen]

Thanks for that thorough explanation Sibyl. I was using sweeten outside of the apparent context of soil nomenclature. I meant to question whether the soil could be neutralized by the addition of something so it would not have an adverse effect on the plants. It is interesting to know about the reaction you described. 
Lynn 



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On Oct 1, 2016, at 8:56 PM, Sibyl Smirl <polycarpa3 at ckt.net> wrote:

> On 9/30/16 10:23 PM, Lynn Ronkainen wrote:
> Is there not something that will "sweeten" the soil (garden lingo) to counteract the effect of the BW tree?  My father in law, God rest his gardening soul, battled the BW tree next door for 50 years.
> Lynn

I've always understood that sweetening sour soil has to do with bringing soil that is too acid toward normal or slightly alkaline, though soil that is _too_ alkaline wouldn't be called "sweet".  Some plants, like tomatoes, blackberries, blueberries, poison ivy, like it on the acid side, but most garden plants want it neutral or slightly alkaline.  You do that by adding lime, or ground limestone for a gentler effect.  But the problem with Black Walnuts is not a matter of acidity, but a chemical the roots, and to some extent, the fallen leaves, add to the soil, to which most plants are "allergic".


-- 
Sibyl Smirl
I will take no bull from your house!  Psalms 50:9a
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