Soil Health

6 articles

A gardener mulching with shredded leaves in an autumn garden, with pollinators visiting late-blooming flowers under warm sunlight.
Outdoor

Sustainable fall gardening nourishes pollinators & enriches soil.

Instead of raking leaves to the curb, savvy gardeners shred them to create nutrient-rich compost, feeding their soil for months.

Mason Clarke·September 16, 2026
Close-up of rich, dark garden soil with visible roots and dewdrops, symbolizing optimal conditions for plant growth.
Outdoor

What Makes Garden Soil Best for Plant Growth?

Many problems with home gardens stem from poor soil physical conditions, not pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies, according to Oregon State University Extension Service .

Mason Clarke·June 5, 2026
Close-up of rich, dark organic soil in a garden bed, with healthy plants growing and sunlight illuminating the scene.
Outdoor

Advanced Organic Soil Amendments for Superior Plant Growth

In studies on medicinal plants like senna, enriched compost and biochar significantly improved the production of bioactive compounds like sennoside, outperforming even chemical fertilizers.

Mason Clarke·June 3, 2026
Gardener's hands collecting a soil sample in a healthy garden, with sunlight filtering through the leaves and highlighting rich soil and plant roots.
Outdoor

How Do Soil Tests Help Improve Garden Soil Health for Plants?

Excess fertilizer can burn plant roots, and salt buildup can block the uptake of other nutrients like zinc and potassium, according to Montana State University Extension Soil Fertility .

Mason Clarke·May 27, 2026
A close-up of colorful kitchen scraps on a counter, with a thriving garden visible in the background, illustrating the composting process.
Home Improvement

Your kitchen scraps boost garden health: Composting insights

Despite diverting 750 pounds of food waste monthly, New Harmony High School's composting program will cease operations in June 2026 due to the school's unexpected closure.

Mason Clarke·May 18, 2026
A variety of mulches, including compost, bark, and wood chips, are artfully arranged in a thriving garden bed, highlighting their textures and colors.
Outdoor

What Are the Best Mulch Types for Your Landscaping Needs?

A single layer of green waste compost can significantly increase soil fertility in the top 10 cm depth, outperforming other mulches in improving soil physical characteristics, according to PMC .

Mason Clarke·May 5, 2026