Soil

Have you ever wondered why electricians stake metal poles into the ground while working? Yes, your garden soil has electrical properties. However, does this apply to the potting soil of your potted plants? Potting soil can conduct electricity. This applies also to outdoor soil. However, the increased presence of water, dissolved mineral salts, organic matter,…

Don’t throw out that pasta water from the penne you’re cooking for tonight’s dinner just yet! My answer to the question “Is pasta water good for plants?” and “Can you use pasta water for plants?” is an absolute YES! I know that watering plants with pasta water sounds a bit too strange for some but…

The soil you are stepping on is like everything else in nature – it changes. The ground in your yard erodes, rots, and is carried away, making it look like your yard is sinking. In general, sinking soil in a yard or garden is often a natural phenomenon caused by 1) organic matter breaking down,…

You are in front of the gardening area and you see soil conditioner and fertilizer, side to side. Now you are confused and may have asked: are they the same? Which is best for plants? Can you use them both? Soil conditioners are applied to enhance soil’s physical properties, while fertilizers are added to provide…

Horticultural Grit can be a gardener’s best friend in preventing compact and waterlogged soil! How does one use them effectively? Finally, is it horticultural grit or is it horticultural sand? Horticultural Grit is composed of crushed rocks, mainly silica, limestone, quartzite, or a few others. Such stones are 1) extracted from the ground, 2) crushed,…