Jumping Worms
Jumping worms are non-native worms that damage the soil structure causing poor plant growth. Learn how to identify and deal with Jumping Worms in this article.
Soils, Amendments & Fertilizers
Plants need healthy soils to do well. These resources will help you learn more about your soils and how to amend them for healthier plants.
Articles
Sampling Garden Soils and Turf Areas for Testing
Save money and protect the environment by having your soil tested before applying lime and fertilizer. This concise publication tells you when and how to sample and where to send it for testing.
Organic Lawn Fertilization
Interest in organic, sustainable gardening has grown to include lawn care practices, including use of organic fertilizers derived from natural sources. Learn how organic and conventional fertilizers differ here.
Calibrating and Using Lawn Fertilizer and Lime Spreaders
Learn how to calibrate your spreader to apply the right amount of lime or fertilizer to your lawn or garden.
Beginning Vegetable Garden Basics: Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Starting a vegetable garden may seem overwhelming to a first-time gardener, but it can be quite easy. This fact sheet focuses on how gardeners can select and prepare their garden site to ensure success.
Fertilizing Small Fruits in the Home Garden
Want a bumper crop of berries this year? Learn to determine your soil amendments and fertilizer needs for raspberries, blueberries, grapes,currants and gooseberries in this publication.
Reducing Soil pH
Proper soil pH allows plants to efficiently take up nutrients. Learn how to reduce high soil pH in this factsheet.
Safely Using Manure in the Garden
Manure can be a valuable soil additive, but can also contain bacteria that can contaminate vegetables and cause human disease if not composted properly. Learn how to use manure safely here.
Using Cover Crops and Green Manures in the Home Vegetable Garden
Cover crops are plants grown to improve soil structure and fertility, reduce weeds, and provide habitat for beneficial insects. Learn about growing cover crops in your garden in this factsheet.
Making and Using Compost in the Garden
Making your own compost is an easy, practical, and satisfying way to make use of yard waste and table scraps. With this publication, designed for the home gardener, you’ll be composting like a pro in no time!
WPR Garden Talk: Composting 101 and other gardening topics with Vijai Pandian (October 4, 2019)
Compost is a great way to get rid of organic waste and create nutrient-rich soil in the process. We talk to a horticulturist about the best ways to compost and how to use it. Listen to the episode.
Stinkhorns
Stinkhorns are mushrooms that can appear in mulch, lawns, and areas with bare soil. Stinkhorns do not cause plant disease, and can be beneficial, as described in this factsheet.
