Soil Preparation – 10-10-10

Q: In preparing the soil for a garden, my yard worker put 40 pounds of 10-10-10 on my little patch of 100 square feet. The recommended rate is1 pound per 100 sq. ft. What do you suggest I do?

A: Wow, you’re in a tough spot! I think the only thing to do is remove the upper couple of inches of soil in the plot and put it in a pile to be used to fertilize your lawn during summer. To dissolve remaining fertilizer, irrigate the area with sixty gallons of water per week for three weeks. Replace the dirt you removed with good quality new soil, plant your vegetables, and keep your fingers crossed. Fertilizer damage, if it shows up, will be yellow leaves with brown edges.