With two acres of red clay soil, I’ve been willing to try just about anything to improve it. Liquid soil conditioner is commonly marketed as a viable solution but I approach every test with a healthy dose of skepticism. With two years of testing behind me, however, I have come to realize that soil conditioners …
Does Liquid Soil Conditioner Work? The Easy Aeration Promise Read More »
Clay soil is difficult to manage. When it’s wet, it’s a slippery, sticky mess. When it’s dry, you need a jackhammer to till a vegetable patch. However, clay does have some redeeming qualities. It holds nutrients better than any other soil texture, and it’s virtually erosion-proof. Clay textures can improve, but it takes time and …
Alkaline soils are difficult. They have a chalky texture, which makes them hard to work, and creates an unhealthy soil structure. They make up the majority of the soils in U.S. deserts, which shows how frustrating they can be to manage. If you have alkaline soil on your property, don’t despair. It can be managed …
Clay soil can be a real challenge due to its tendency to dry out and crack. Fortunately, it also has a high capacity to hold nutrients and can actually offer benefits for grass when properly prepared. I’ve dealt with this type of soil for years and have learned that there are fundamental keys to successfully …
Clay soil presents many challenges when growing grass. I am partial to centipede grass because of its low growing profile, tendency to spread and thickly blanket an area, and its general drought tolerance. But what happens when you try to grow centipede on clay soil? It all comes down to soil preparation and an understanding …
Composting is an excellent way to make use of kitchen scraps and create your own nutrient-rich soil. But there are challenges in composting for people who live in apartments or have very limited yard space. And then there is winter, of course, when keeping a compost pile hot to facilitate the decomposition process can be …
Blender Composting: Turn Kitchen Scraps Into Plant Food Fast Read More »
Clay soil can be a real pain and I have been struggling with it for years. When you are preparing soil for grass, you have a lot of options. But when you need to amend clay soil without digging, for example with an established lawn that you don’t want to mess up, you have to …
Amend Clay Soil Without Digging – 5 Steps To Lasting Results Read More »
On a recent trip to St. Croix, my wife found herself taken with the palm trees that blanket the island. Now, it evokes images of beach vacations and exotic locations anytime she sees this. And so, I’ve been looking into the possibility of planting palm trees in our backyard. But the clay soil we have …
Planting A Palm Tree In Clay Soil: Proper Preparation Is Key Read More »
Compost bins are great but have you ever considered in-ground composting? There’s no bin needed and you never have to turn it. In fact, once you put the scraps to work, you don’t even have to think about them again! Getting started in composting can seem a little overwhelming but it doesn’t have to. In …
In-Ground Composting Advantages: No Bin or Turning Required! Read More »
My Journey On An (Almost) Desert Island. Last year, our family moved to an island off the coast of Los Angeles, California. I was excited to learn that they had a garden because the Mediterranean climate meant year-round vegetables. When we arrived, I explored my soon-to-be veggie paradise only to find a fenced-in plot with …
Desert Gardening: A Success Story (And Lessons Learned) Read More »
