What to plant on trash burn site

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4eversummer Snohomish, WA Jul 31, 2011

I have a medium sized slope that was previously used for trash burning over several years. It's an eyesore and I would like to cover it with something attractive and fast growing. It receives 4-6 hours of sun on clear days. I am located in the Pacific NW, zone 7. What should I prepare the area with prior to planting? Thank you!

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Jul 31, 2011

Since repeated burnings tend to sterilize the top 4 to 6 inches or soil, you will need to add organic material to the soil, or remove the burned out topsoil. If you have a tiller, I would suggest working compost into the area, or bringing in a load of garden soil/top soil to help rejuvenate things. The links below are suggestions for fast growing groundcovers, some evergreen.

http://www.tripplebrookfarm.com/newweb/gen/namesearch/Gaultheria.shtml#procumbens

http://www.soonerplantfarm.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/specials.specDetail/recID/29/index.htm

http://www.bigdipperfarm.com/cgi-bin/searchstuff.pl?Icons=GRCV

http://www.natsnursery.com/Native_Ground_Covers.php

Post #8728102
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nickiadkins Fairhope, AL(Zone 8b) Aug 15, 2011

I am not sure about how "professional" looking you want it. I have a trash pile in my back acres that i cover every year with something. I have never took the time, money or energy to amend the soil. One year I threw zinnia seeds and blackeyed susans and it was beautiful. One year i found basil growing in from left over seeds. The last two years i planted gourd seed in it and grew some great looking spoon gourds. The key is over plant it with hardy seed setting plants that is drought tolerant. good luck.

Post #8757429
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flowers_delight Leicester, NC(Zone 8a) Aug 27, 2011

Great idea nickiadkins and you are putting nutrients and compost back into the ground each year to help bring the soil back to par. Good Job!

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