Wool Experiment August Update
South Dakota is in the middle of her growing season and we are in the middle of the ‘Wool as a Soil Additive Experiment’. The wool gardens are going well.
Some current observations (but are not experiment conclusions) are the raw wool on the surface did mat down and is not affected by wind, but it is a challenge to weed. The wool pellets under the soil tend to hold more moisture than the surface pellets. There have been no real pest attacks yet. Soil temperatures usually range 5-10 degrees with the raw wool covered soil running cooler during the heat of the day, but the same temperature in the mornings.
The test garden in Woonsocket was truly tested during their large storm July 20 with 80+ mph winds. The wool stayed down and the plants were beaten up, but the garden survived.
Everyone interested in the ‘Wool As a Soil Additive Project’ should make plans to attend the Test Plot Field Day, Aug. 15 from 9 AM MT to noon at the Hot Springs Community Garden in Hot Springs. SDSPA Urban Ag Liaison Malisa Niles and SDSU representatives will be on hand to talk about the project and answer questions. The garden is located at 1434 Evans Street, Hot Springs. No registration required.