[Magdalen] Another "worthless" food.

[Marion Thompson]

Sibyl is right.  There is no chemical solution for black walnut toxicity 
caused by juglone.  The best solution is avoidance and separation.  Some 
plants may thrive in proximity, e.g., Kentucky blue grass, lilacs, day 
lilies, some tolerate and some, as we know, like tomatoes and roses are 
adversely affected.  I can't tell you how many thousands of dollars I 
invested in a 25 yr long quest for at least survivors.  The black walnut 
appears to perfected a way to minimize competion.

Marion, a pilgrim


On 10/1/2016 10:46 PM, Lynn Ronkainen wrote:
> 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
>
>
>
> www.ichthysdesigns.com
>
> When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'. attributed to Erma Bombeck
>
>
> 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".
>
>