Bakersfield Soil Delivery

Is Bakersfield soil alkaline, and does the soil you deliver fix that?

Yes, most southern San Joaquin Valley soils run alkaline, often in the 7.5 to 8.2 pH range, which is why citrus and gardenias here so often show yellow leaves with green veins. Our compost rich blends nudge pH down slightly and, more importantly, improve nutrient availability. For persistent chlorosis you will still want a chelated iron product, since amending soil alone rarely moves valley pH dramatically.

How much soil do I need for a raised vegetable bed?

A standard 4 by 8 foot bed at 12 inches deep needs just under 1.2 cubic yards. Bakersfield gardeners often go deeper, around 18 inches, because the extra volume buffers root temperature during July and August when bed sides heat up fast. Order about ten percent extra for settling, which is significant with compost heavy blends.

When is the best time to bring in soil and start planting here?

Late January through February is ideal, since our average last frost lands around February 8 and soil is workable long before spring arrives in most of the country. A second window opens in September for fall and winter crops that will carry through to the December 8 first frost. Avoid amending in mid July unless you can irrigate immediately, because dry compost is hydrophobic in our heat.

Will new topsoil help my lawn survive Bakersfield summers?

Topdressing with a quarter to half inch of compost enriched soil twice a year helps considerably, especially on bermuda and fescue lawns growing on thin sandy loam. It improves moisture retention so you can shift to deeper, less frequent irrigation, which is exactly what you want under watering restrictions. Core aerate first so the material reaches the root zone instead of sitting on thatch.

Do I need to worry about hardpan or caliche when I dig?

Parts of Bakersfield, especially older orchard ground and areas out toward the east and northeast, have a compacted or cemented layer a foot or two down that stops roots and water cold. Dig a test hole before planting trees. If you hit a dense layer, break through it or plant on a raised mound of imported soil rather than creating a bathtub that drowns roots during winter irrigation.

Can I use your soil to fill low spots and settling near my foundation?

Screened topsoil works well for minor grading, and yes, Bakersfield homes on expansive or fill soils do settle. Grade so water flows away from the slab at about a quarter inch drop per foot for the first ten feet, and keep soil at least six inches below the stucco weep screed. For anything deeper than a few inches, use a sandier fill soil that compacts rather than a compost rich blend that will keep settling.