Q: What are the different types of soil?
A: Clay-it sticks together like dough and is hardly water soluble. Sandy-it falls apart and is very gritty. Loamy- it will hold together but will fall apart if you tap on it.
FYI: The color of your soil is also an indication of your soil type. Take a scoop of soil mixture and put it in a mason jar filled with water and let it settle. The mixture should contain the three components silt, sand, and clay.
Q: What is soil PH?
A: It is an indication of acidic, neutral, or alkaline soils. The scale begins at 1 thru 14, 7 being neutral. Numbers falling below 7 is acidic soil. Above 7 is alkaline soil. The ideal PH for most plants is between 6 and 7,
FYI: Have your soil tested periodically to see if you need to raise or lower your PH level.
Q: What materials are used in a compost pile?
A: Materials that are mostly at hand such as kitchen scraps, fruits, vegetables, coffee grinds, egg shells, non-treated grass clippings, dead flowers, leaves, and farm animal manures if applicable.
FYI: If you turn your compost pile, you can have compost in 3 to 5 months. Enclosed compost bins are most preferred to keep away unwanted critters.
Q: How often should I water my garden?
A: On average, a total of one inch per week should be sufficient during the growing season. Water deep for longer periods of time as opposed to short frequent watering.
Q: When should you water?
A: Early morning watering is best because there is less evaporation of moisture and your leaves will dry quickly so fungal problems are greatly reduced. If you have to water during evening hours; try not to get the leaves of your plants wet.When watering during the evening, stay as close to the base of the plant. This will help with the elimination of fungal problems.