When it comes to your plants, you can't cheat. If you cut a corner, the results are gonna be felt in your garden: stressed plants that are susceptible to disease, produce less fruit, and fruit that ...
To have our best gardens, we need to know our soil. A soil test is the single best piece of information you can obtain for your garden. Here’s my soil test as an example, and what kind of ...
Spring is just around the corner, and enthusiastic gardeners are already plotting to get their gardens in shape for the growing season. From soil to sunshine, it all takes planning. Whether you’re new ...
These DIY tests uncover your soil's texture and drainage rate. Then you'll know which plants will grow best in your garden ...
Most gardeners know that success depends on many factors: You can’t grow a sun-loving plant in a shady area, for example. And a shrub that loves wet places won’t do well in dry soil. But the most ...
We independently review everything we recommend. We may get paid to link out to retailer sites, and when you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› By Colleen Hagerty Colleen ...
Better Homes & Gardens on MSN

What pine needles really do to your garden soil

According to a expert, pine needle mulch is good for garden soil but does nothing to the acidity. Pine needle mulch does not ...
One of the biggest factors affecting the health of plants in your garden is the pH of the soil, which is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7.0 is neutral while that above 7.0 is alkaline ...
One of the most common questions gardeners have is how to fertilize specific plants. Many plants have individual nutrient needs, but for all plants it is impossible to guess at what you need without ...
The question I receive most frequently from vegetable gardeners: How much fertilizer should I apply? The second most frequently asked question: How can I get better vegetable yields in my garden? Both ...
Should I have my soil tested? A soil test done by a commercial laboratory, such as A and L Soil Testing Laboratory in Modesto, California, costs from $60-$75. It’s important that a soil test is ...
A little cleaning and soil enrichment can prevent raised beds from becoming overrun with weeds, stave off nutrient loss, improve soil structure and fertility, and keep pests from ...