Zones Map

1. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge the photo.
2. To identify your zone on the gardening zones map, locate the area where you live, and note what color/zone you live in
3. To further identify the temperature span in your zone, go to the post “Know Your Zone“

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How plants grow

Do you know how plants grow? How the different parts of a plant work together to make the plant grow? I can almost see your reaction!!! However, we sometimes forget that plants are composed of many parts and that if one of those parts is not healthy, the plant will not survive. Read the rest of this entry »

Determining soil drainage

The first step to a bountiful and beautiful garden is making sure that your soil is healthy and that it has the proper drainage for your plants. Today I will explain how to determine your soil drainage (how well your soil retains the proper amount of water)

Not every plant likes to have “wet feet” all the time while others love it, so the secret to “happy plants” is to match the plant to the soil or correct your soil drainage. Don’t just leave it to guesswork! Read the rest of this entry »

Taking a soil sample . . .

does not take long and is easy to do. To take your soil sample, you will need a clean bucket, a clean garden trowel, a clean container, and newspaper.

Before we begin taking the soil sample , remember soil tests are only as good as the tools used to collect them. Make sure your spade and bucket are thoroughly clean or your results may be worthless. Forgetting to wash out a bucket that once held lime or pool chlorine or other strong chemical can skew test results. This mistake can cost you money and time spent choosing the wrong plant. Read the rest of this entry »

Tips To Help You Solve Soil Problems

Soil problems occur when your soil’s ph level is either too high or too low, when the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is incorrectly balanced or when you have improper soil drainage. Testing your soil (explanation found in previous post) was your first step. Now you have received the results of these soil sample tests, and you are ready to identify a soil problem solution. These tips will help you identify a ph solution as well as what to do if you must remedy your soil for proper drainage .

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Importance of Testing Your Soil

Have you thought about testing your soil or getting it tested? This testing is not as difficult as you might think.

Since most plants have specific soil preferences; for example, azaleas prefer slightly acidic, while others such as geraniums prefer less acid, a PH test can save you money by helping you know which plants will do best in your garden.

Because some adjustments may require a few months to take effect, early spring is one of the best times to test your soil. Samples should be taken when the soil is fairly dry because wet soil can give a false reading.

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When flower gardening. . .

. . . you must recognize your soil and know how to prepare it accordingly. This article explains how to do this so you can better prepare your soil before planting your seeds.

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