Whether you are growing flowers or vegetables, the most important element needed for a successful garden is proper soil. Unfortunately, not all soils are created equal. In this post, you will learn the four main types of soil and examples of what can be grown in each one. Type and…
Clubroot disease is a fungal disease that plagues brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnips, mustard, kale, kohlrabi, radishes, collard greens, and more. The fungus, Plasmodiophora brassicae, spreads in the soil, infecting the roots of plants and causing them to swell and develop an irregular shape that resembles galls…
The first time I saw Fuligo septica, I thought an animal had vomited in my backyard. I was not surprised, therefore, when I later discovered that the organism is also known as dog vomit slime mold, an appropriate name to be sure. Others call it scrambled egg slime mold because…
If you have been gardening for any length of time, chances are you have heard of the term NPK. But what is NPK, and why is it vital to your garden’s success? This article will make everything you need to know about NPK easy to understand. Plants Need to Eat,…
Compost and fertilizer can play an important role in every garden, regardless of its size. But sometimes these garden-helpers are used interchangeably as if they are the same. Although there are similarities between the two, they have significant differences as well. In this post, we will discuss what they have…
Which one is better for your garden, potting soil or potting mix? While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they do not refer to the same medium. The answer to which is better depends entirely on the purpose for which you are going to use it. This article will…
Dirt cheap is an idiom people use when they want to express how inexpensive something is. The idea is that since dirt is plentiful, it must be cheap. Ironically, good, quality dirt is not cheap. If you have purchased organic potting soil or potting mix lately, then you know this to be…
Nematodes are microscopic roundworms categorized as either predatory or parasitic. Predatory nematodes hunt down garden pests, like cutworms and squash vine borers, and are considered beneficial by gardeners. On the other hand, parasitic nematodes, like root knot nematodes, feed on plant roots and cause considerable crop damage.Root knot nematodes attack…
Gardeners and homesteaders alike have long known the benefits of adding compost to their gardens. Healthy soil is the key to healthy plants, and the addition of compost enriches soil health. Black gold, as the fully decomposed waste is often called, is teeming with macro and micronutrients and beneficial microbes…
Compost is the byproduct of organic matter that has undergone the decaying process. It is a nutrient-dense material teeming with beneficial microorganisms. When added to soil, not only does compost improve the nutritional and microbial profile, but it also improves soil structure, enabling better water retention and drainage, especially in…