The least complicated way of ensuring good soil conditioning in the coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest is to make some assumptions about average soil conditions. Average soils are too acidic for optimum growth of most plants, especially culinary herbs and vegetables, and they are too low in nitrogen and phosphorus. The simple answer is to add agricultural lime to beds in the fall, and to use dolomite lime in spot applications. Mix the lime in well with the soil. Add compost and use green manures to maintain or increase the level or organic mattter, and add nitrogen at critical times in each plant's life.
Incorporate rock phosphate every three years in the fall to maintain adequate phosphorus levels.
Trace element levels can be maintained by the use of compost and fish fertilizer and by maintaining the organic matter of the soil at a high level. Copyright 1998-2000, all rights reserved worldwide.