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Pennsylvania Gardening

Silt from pond for garden?

16 years ago

Does anyone know if you can use silt from a pond for soil in raised beds? My husband and I are moving to Ogletown, PA next month. The house has a stream with a dam right in front. It's been a long time since it's been dug out, and silt has really collected. Can we just use this as soil as is, or do I need to let it decompose a while, or maybe I need to add something to it? Thanks to anyone who knows something about this.

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Comments (3)

kmerrifi
16 years ago
Not from my own knowledge, but I have wondered the same thing. According to the sites I have googled, the answer is that it is not a great idea because the fine particles will block air movement in the soil.
earthworm73
16 years ago
Sorry I am not from PA but I would think the silt would be good to use in compost making.
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HerbLady49
16 years ago
I know a gardener who lives in New Hope next to the Delaware River. She said that although she dreaded when it flooded, the silt that was left made her gardens flourish.

Here is a link that might be useful: Nutrients from pond water

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