Do you have a local source of good finished compost? If so then that is the best additive there is and much less expensive than the LeafGro stuff. Not sure why you would think it wouldn't be an option to add now as it can be added at any time during the season.

Finished leaf mold would be the next option but it is best to work it in 4-6 weeks ahead of planting. Don't know your location so can't guess how close you are to planting.

Peat would be another option but how far in advance it should be added would depend on the pH of your soil as it acidifies.

You can also work in chopped straw but would if it is fresh rather than old straw you'd need to also add a high nitrogen supplement with it so that it will rapidly decompose.

Dave

I'm not sure I understand your goal since first you said you wanted suggestions for compost/organic matter but then said what liquid fertilizer could be added if compost was not an option. I like liquid fish emulsion or seaweed fertilizer which I add when I transplant and occasionally during the growing season. There are a variety of dry organic fertilizers you can use. Perhaps mulch between the rows that can be incorporated in the fall would be a good start. I garden in blocks which I start using the lasagna method (sheet composting) but I think that takes at least 6 weeks. You might see if your state has a weekly farmers bulletin and check Craigslist for free or low cost manures, mulch hay, etc although getting organic might be a problem. The organic farmers organization in our state has already taken orders and delivered bulk orders for soil amendments and fertilizers. You should check into something in your state since prices are cheaper than paying retail. Fedco is a good source for New England.

During the summer, grass clippings and chopped leaves are piled in an area so I have mulch and compost material.

Thanks for the suggestions. The liquid fertilizer was just a backup plan, I realize it wouldn't add organic matter, but I assume it would be better than nothing! Perhaps that is an incorrect assumption. I will look into a local source for composted straw/manure etc. I was concerned about adding it as I know many options need at least 4 weeks to decompose prior to planting. I am zone 6, and was hoping to get some greens and peas in the ground in the next two weeks... I might just compost the majority of the garden and leave a space for early planting that I will treat with compost tea or something like that as the season progresses.

Much appreciated! :)

I add composted horse manure each spring from a Craigslist find. The horse owner mixes bedding, manure and kitchen scraps during the winter. It is wonderful stuff by spring so I just add it to the top of the beds in spring and plant directly into it. I think liquid fertilizer is great for transplants and quick feeds but I also use dry organic fertilizer in each planting hole (I,e, tomatoes) and along rows. Beets seem to need extra lime which I scratch into the planting furrow. I'm zone 5. Last year I made a new long lasagna bed for winter squash but made a pile of composted manure in each planting hill.

I don't think you need to have a perfect garden plot this year. I hilled potatoes the first time but then covered well with straw. The straw could get plowed into the bed at the end of the season helping to ready it for next year. Tomatoes and peppers and any other plants can got into your existing bed with extra fertilizer etc in the planting hole. Then add mulch that will get plowed in later.

Best wishes for a productive year!

Liquid Fert is a quick blast of nutrients for seedlings and plants. It doesn't last long, or enrich the soil as what doesn't get soaked up disperses. So, it may be a good supplement later in the grow season, but won't do anything for prep.

good clarification ballonflower.

You could do some trench composting prior to planting.