Plot Description
A typical plot is approximately 25 feet by 25 feet. There is access to a water spigot within 50 feet from the plot. Plots are marked with white stakes and shows the plot numbers. See a map showing the plot numbers.
Soils
See USCS soil classifications mapped over an aerial photograph of the gardens. Light patches indicate areas with dry soils.
Soil Composition:
This information from a soil test analyzed in the summer of
1993. Other locations have shown similar characteristics, with
potassium and organic matter varying the most. These numbers
were consistent with previous soil tests and show phosphorus
and potassium contents which have leveled off after steep rises
in the last 25 years of gardening.
| Parameter |
Eagle
Heights |
Normal
Gardens |
| pH |
7.5 |
6.2
to 6.7 |
| Organic
Matter |
4.6% |
>2% |
| Phosporus |
390
lb/acre |
50
- 100 lb/acre |
| Potassium |
630
lb/acre |
250
-350 lb/acre |
Soil pH is a measure of the acidity of a soil. This is possibly the most important single soil test because the pH influences the availability of all the essential elements that plants obtain from the soil. It also affects the activity of soil microorganisms.
Organic Matter influences the moisture-holding capacity of the soil, serves as a supply of nutrients, feeds microorganisms, insects, earthworms, etc., and improves soil tilth and structure. The amount of organic matter depends on temperature, rainfall, aeration and other factors. It tends to be a characteristic of soil type in a given environment and is not easily changed. Excessive tillage results in a loss of organic matter. Large additions of crop residue, compost, mulch, manure, etc. cause only small changes in soil organic matter. Ideal soils have about 5% organic matter. Excessive applications of uncomposted organic matter such as wood chips may tie up available nitrogen. More organic matter found in mulches would not hurt the garden soil. Compost from the compost piles is an excellent addition to the gardens, either worked into the soil or placed on top as a superb organic weed control.
Phosphorus should test between 50 and 100 lb. per acre, depending on plant species. Shallow-rooted plants such as onions, carrots and radishes require higher phosphorus levels than do deep-rooted plants like sweet corn and legumes (beans and peas). This element is needed for energy transfer reactions in plant cells and stimulates root development and flowering in plants.
Potassium is an activator of many plant enzyme systems. It is involved in carbohydrate and protein formation and movement within the plant. Abundant potassium promotes disease resistance and, in perennials, some degree of winter hardiness. Root crops (radishes, carrots, potatoes) have particularly high requirements for this element. Low potassium levels result in weak stems in many plants. Fertile garden soils contain 250-350 lb. of available potassium per acre.
Nitrogen cannot be tested for because it does not accumulate in plant-available form like other elements. If one attempts to build up high levels of available nitrogen (nitrate), leaching (washing away) of nitrate, possibly to ground water or lakes if they are nearby, becomes a problem. Therefore, nitrogen recommendations are based on expected crop needs. The gardener should take into account nitrogen added as compost, lake weeds, manure, etc.
The UW Extension and Soil Science Department will test soil for a fee. They can be contacted for more information at 266-4271. Anyone doing a soil test on Eagle Heights Gardens is asked to share the results with the Garden Committee including the location of the test site. Please bring the results to the Community Center or email the garden committee.
Plot Applications
Applications for the 2008 gardening season are available online now (click here to download the application), or in the Eagle Heights Community Center beginning in January, 2008. Everyone (including those on the waiting list) will need to apply. Get your application in as soon as possible for best chances of getting your desired plot. The deadline for applications is February 15, 2008. There may be limited plot availability later than this, but there is no guarantee that you will get your desired plot. After the deadline we will do our best to process applications in a timely manner, but please expect your application to take 3 weeks for processing.
Downloads of the 2008 application are available for download by clicking here.
You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't have the reader,
click here
to download a free copy of the reader.
NOTE: We've made some new changes to our garden policies that are part of the application. By submitting an application you are agreeing to comply with all gardening rules and guidelines.
Key changes:
1) Please ensure that any structures in your plot are safe and do not shade your neighbor's plots
2) Weeds must be kept under control. Your garden plot may be reassigned if your garden is identified as intensely weedy.
3) You must keep a 6" path around the boundaries of your plot.
4)You must submit a garden fee with your 2008 application.
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