Soil vs. Dirt?
Soil performs best for most plants at a neutral pH
Although the words “dirt” and “soil” are often used interchangeably, to a gardener, there’s a big difference! “Soil” (cue angelic music) is what gives life to a garden – full of organic matter, minerals and nutrients. But not all soil is created equal, which is why it’s a great idea to get to know your soil first, so that you can make additions and amendments if anything is lacking.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at soil, how to take soil samples for testing, what happens to those soil tests after we mail them off and what the results mean, and ways to bring the best of all soil amendments – compost – into to your landscape, lawn, and garden.
Where does your soil sample go when you send it off for testing? We’ll show you!
Whenever struggling with a plant problem, one of the first considerations should be, “Have I done a soil test?” Many plant problems can be easily rectified once we know the condition of the soil. And just imagine if you plan a bit ahead to test and amend and build your soil from season to season…
When you focus on creating healthy, nutrient-rich soil by testing first and adding lots of organic matter, the soil has everything it needs to take care of your plants without the need for chemical fertilizers. Joe goes to the source with a tour of a soil testing lab and the U.S. Composting Council for a better understanding of how to create the best foundation in your home garden.
Joe talks to Frank Franciosi of Novozymes North America about Sourcing Compost
What’s that delicious aroma? No, we mean besides the amazing smell of earthy, healthy soil. Why, it’s Chef Nathan’s herb-roasted vegetable dish featuring carrots, potatoes, parsnips and onions! Once again Chef Nathan brings the garden to the kitchen with an delectable, simple, family-pleasing dish – one that did not last long in the studio.
For more information:
- Find your local Cooperative Extension office, contact info, classes and events
- US Composting Council website
- Atlantic Mulch and Erosion Control
- Episode 225: Backyard Composting in the 21st Century
- Episode 106: Large-Scale Composting with Cedar Grove
- Compost Diving with Joe Lamp’l
- Chef Nathan’s Recipe: Herb-Roasted Root Vegetables
About GGWTV
Growing A Greener World is a national gardening series on Public Television that features organic gardening, green living and farm to table cooking. Each episode focuses on compelling and inspirational people making a difference through gardening. This gardening series covers everything from edible gardening and sustainable agriculture to seasonal cooking and preserving the harvest.
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Books and other product links are affiliate links.
Good and healthy soil produce good and healthy plants, which also provide good and healthy living for us. More about healthy soil? click the link below
http://farmingeek.org/farming-how-to/how-to-prepare-a-healthy-soil
Hello! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when browsing from my apple iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this
issue. If you have any suggestions, please share.
Many thanks!
I just watched episode 302 and I was wondering – when is the best time to apply the compost to the lawn or garden? Spring? Fall? or whenever? Oh and I am in North Texas.
Thanks
Kimberly,
Both are times are good for your garden. You can topdress your garedn in the spring or soil incorporate the compost in the fall. With regards to your lawn. I assume that you have warm season grasses so I would recommend that your core aerate and topdress in the spring. There’s more information on our website. http://www.naturesgreenreleaf.com or you can also go to http://www.compostingcouncil.org to find sources of STA Compost in your area.
Joe,
Thanks for supporting composting and compost use. You and your crew did a great job of explaining the importance of soil organic matter and the role of compost in the garden and landscape.
Frank Franciosi
President US Composting Council