Looking for Dirt

[SuperK]

In HPP and I am looking for a few (2-3) tons of dirt for a garden project. Hamakua, black or? would be great. Some cinder is ok, but looking for mostly dirt. Any body know where I might be able to get this amount?

Super Stencils, Decals and more

[Rob Tucker]

I can't judge your site or gardening intentions or how long you have lived here but...

Pure dirt is often undesirable in this climate of rain. A cinder soil mix is better or you will be kneeling in mud more than you might like.

[SuperK]

Thanks Rob, JoAnn and I have been here only 2 years come December, and yeah, I get that dirt with too much rain isn't fun in any climate. I am actually looking for an overall mix of about 10-15% cinder to whatever else I can find, Hamakua or other. I will be mixing that with about 20% mulch for a better "soil" like substrate to plant in. I don't have all rock, but I don't have dirt her either. I am looking to build a walking garden that is mix of food and decorative plants. I want to use the guild and perennials techniques of permaculture, Raised beds for our backs, and cemented decorated paths for getting to and from the guilds and the animals we have for food.
Once I find a source of soil in bulk I'll add amendments to it to keep the rain from being to much of a pest. I do want this Hawaii experience to be as muck free as possible.

Retired in Paradise

[Rob Tucker]

You want to be careful when importing soils and amendments to not carry in fire ants. You would regret it. Unless you already have them I guess. Be especially careful of mulch. There is free stuff which is not sterilized. Bagged stuff which is.

[dayna]

I buy my dirt/cinder mix from Puna Rock Phone: (808) 966-7625, they deliver. I got 4 tons of cinder soil delivered for $240 or something like that.

Dayna

www.E-Z-Caps.com

[terracore]

http://www.punaweb.org/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23586
http://punaweb.org/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23698

You'll want to get the cinder soil. Don't make the mistake we did and get 100% topsoil, it was very labor intensive to amend it ourselves.

Make sure that you schedule the delivery when it hasn't been raining a lot and there isn't heavy rain in the forecast- I know that's tough around here but you pay by the pound and you don't want to be buying a lot of water weight.

You can get amounts smaller than 4 tons if you pick it up yourself.

[SuperK]

thanks everyone- Rob- We already have them and we are treating for fire ants but the neighbors are not. Tough to get them eradicated when the neighbors don't or cant treat. Dayna- thanks, we did talk to Puna Rock and we are going to go with them if we cant find anything better. I wouldn't mind the work of amending it myself Terracore, delivered in bulk I can mix it up as I go for different purposes. And thanks for the reminder of the rain! At 8.3 pounds a gallon, it can add up.

Retired in Paradise

[allensylves]

You might want to check with Ashton's (he has Craigslist ads) for a load of that size. He picks it up and delivers. I had him deliver some cinder when we moved here.

Allen
Finally in HPP

[SuperK]

Thanks Allen! I look through CL all the time but haven't been specifically looking for dirt/cinder until now so I'll keep an eye out for it.

Retired in Paradise

[laurarice]

I can recommend macadamia nut husks instead of soil. I ordered and entire tractor trailed load delivered to Mountain view from Hawaikai for 450 total. Good stuff and a good price. contact info is Troy at 808-640-6602.

Laura