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Soils

Soils: Good soil is fundamental to successful gardening, landscaping, and healthy houseplants. Balance structure, nutrients and pH to compliment plants' needs.

  • Most gardens require a 6.0 to 7.0 pH to support either flowers or produce. Finding the right combination of soil properties to promote drainage while retaining moisture ensures healthy plants.
  • Adding organic material and fertilizer can correct most soils.
  • Composting effectively recycles many kinds of yard wastes and provides organic matter to replenish soils.
  • Mulch protects good soil by reducing the need for watering. Just 4" of mulch can reduce soil temperature as much as 20 degrees.
  • Soil testing provides the most effective method for soil evaluation. Contact the county extension service or local garden center for more information.
  • Prepare garden soil during autumn to increase benefits through the winter months. Good spring soil preparation improves productivity during the growing season.

     

    Read the following articles to learn more about soils.


Soils Guides

  • Soils video

    Watch this video and learn more about different types of soils.
  • Why buy a lead soil testing kit?

    Lead in your soil is a serious issue that can easily be dealt with through the purchase of a lead soil testing kit. The most common occurrence of lead in soil comes from acid rain washing lead off of exterior house paint and into the yard.
  • Soil testing FAQ’s

    A soil sample is affordable, quick, and invaluable if you’re shooting for a good season. Many good-intentioned homeowners profess a great devotion to their lawn or garden, but end up pumping it full of unnecessary chemicals that are at best wasted and at worst hazardous to the environment. A little time and money up front can lead to greener, lusher plant life and a substantial reduction in cost.
  • Potting soil terms

    You might be a bit overwhelmed by the lists of soils, nutrients and minerals that most gardening websites and companies expect you to know. Here is a list of helpful terms to bring you up to par.
  • How to use a soil thermometer

    Many sources contend that the correct soil temperature is equally as important to a flourishing crop as the right time of year. Planting in soil a bit too cold could result in seed rot, slow germination, growth problems and disease.
  • How to make potting soil

    In order to properly secure your status as an experienced gardener, concoct your own potting soil that caters to the species you like to grow. Find out what your particular plants grow in and use these recipes as guidelines.
  • Types of soil

    Evaluate soil types by structure: clay, loam and sand amount present; nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are key; and PH: typically plants require a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Here we discuss soil types in more detail.
  • Potting soil benefits

    Garden soil may be too compacted to use potting plants. Potting soil benefits include improved moisture retention and drainage, nutrient fine-tuning, and providing different requirements in adjacent locations.