What Is Crop Rotation and Why Do It?

Crop rotation, that is rotating the position of your crop “families” from year to year, is one of the simplest ways to control many insects, weeds, and diseases in the garden. Crop rotation does two things for the garden: Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 6% [?]

Certain vegetables when paired up for Companion Planting are excellent matches while a few do not work well together.

It has been known for centuries that some plants grow better when certain other plants are growing nearby. Science has gradually discovered the reasons why some combinations of plants are successful, but for other combinations Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 7% [?]

Companion planting is growing certain plants near one another so that they can be of mutual benefit or specifically for pest control.

One plant may assist another by repelling or attracting insects, providing shade, attracting pollinating bees, repelling pests such as deer or mice, occupying different root zones, or even by decomposing into nutrients needed and absorbed by the other plant. Plants can also be considered “companion plants” if they mature at different times when planted together.. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 4% [?]

It’s important to become familiar with the planting zones map (growing zones map) . . .

. . . and what the numbers in the chart mean if you wish to know what to look for on the plant’s tag in order to know whether or not the plant will grow well in your area. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 1% [?]

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. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 19% [?]

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 (i.e. the porosity of your soil . . .that is, 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 »

Popularity: 3% [?]

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 a soil sample , remember soil tests are only as good as the tools used to collect them. Make sure Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 2% [?]