Because I have gotten some contaminated hay in the past and it ruined my tomatoes in one bed, I installed a small experimental garden to test the organic material that is given to me.

As all gardeners I try different things each year. Last year I tried a ditch along the row to deliver wated to the amended spots where I had squash planted. This year I carried the idea a little farther. I would amend a spot and then raked the good soil into a mound around the edge of the bed and then dig a small pond in the center, which I would fill with organic matter. I have sorry soil that just wont drain.

Below is a picture of my small experimental garden that I made in my lowest and sorriest soil. I planted watermelons and okra in it 6-1. We have had no rain in over a month and very little all summer. I think the melons look pretty good and may produce a crop later.

I plan to experiment more with this.

Larry