Frequently Asked Questions - Soils, Fertilizing, and Composting
It is advisable not to add dog or cat feces to the compost pile. Dog and cat feces may contain harmful pathogens that may not be destroyed during the composting process.
Herbicide residues should not be a problem if the grass clippings are thoroughly composted. As an added safety measure, mow the lawn two or three times before collecting and adding the clippings to the compost pile.
Trees have shallow roots. The vast majority of a tree’s roots are located in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. As the tree roots grow, some of the larger roots near the soil surface may emerge from the ground. While many individuals regard…
Wood ashes contain small amounts of several plant nutrients. The nutrient content of wood ashes depends on the type of wood burned, the thoroughness of its burning, and other factors. Generally, wood ashes contain 5 to 7 percent potash, 1 percent…
It would be best to place weeds that are producing seeds and diseased plant debris in biodegradable bags and have the material picked up and composed by a municipal or commercial composting facility. The temperatures in home compost piles…
Temperatures of 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit are required to kill most plant disease pathogens. Unfortunately, the internal temperatures of most home compost piles don’t reach this level and the disease organisms are not destroyed. For many home…
It is not necessary to add an inoculant or activator to a compost pile. A compost pile should be composed of layers of plant material and soil or finished compost. The soil and finished compost contain the microbes that will decompose the plant…
Before applying any herbicide, carefully read and follow label directions. When applying liquid formulations, potential spray drift problems can be avoided by following simple precautions. Don’t spray when winds exceed 5 mph.…
Leaves contain high levels of carbon and small amounts of nitrogen. The microbes that decompose leaves and other types of organic matter require nitrogen for their own metabolism and growth. A compost pile composed mainly of leaves decomposes…
Soil testing services are provided by neighboring universities and private laboratories. Information on how to collect good soil samples for testing and recommendations for how to find testing laboratories can be found at …
When sufficient materials are on hand, build a pile that is at least 3 feet by 3 feet square and 3 feet in height, but no larger than 5 feet by 5 feet square and 5 feet in height. Use a mixture of garden debris, leaves, grass clippings and other…
The rate of decomposition depends upon the composition of the compost pile, level of management, and other factors. A well-managed compost pile (one that is watered and turned regularly) containing a mixture of shredded plant material should be…
To encourage vigorous growth and abundant bloom, hybrid tea, floribunda, and grandiflora roses should be fertilized two or three times a year. Fertilizer applications can be made in early spring (immediately after pruning), during the first…
In Iowa, Kentucky bluegrass lawns can be fertilized in spring (April or May), mid-September, and late October/early November. The number of fertilizer applications is largely determined by an individual’s desires or expectations for their…
For most perennials, an application of 1 to 2 pounds of an all-purpose garden fertilizer per 100 square feet is adequate. Excess fertilization produces weak, leggy growth and inhibits flowering. Early spring (late March to mid-April) is the best…
If planting must be delayed after purchase, place moist material, such as wood shavings or sphagnum moss, around the plant’s roots and place the plants in a plastic bag. Store the plants in the refrigerator at 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.…
Established blueberry plants benefit from an annual application of an acid-producing fertilizer, such as ammonium sulfate. In early spring, apply ½ to 1 pound of ammonium sulfate per 100 square feet of garden area. Ammonium sulfate…
In Iowa, gardeners should apply lime to gardens and lawns only when recommended by a soil test. A soil test will indicate the current soil pH and, if necessary, the amount of lime to apply to the area. Liming materials include ground…
It is generally not necessary to fertilize newly planted trees. Most Iowa soils can supply sufficient amounts of nutrients during establishment. If trees are growing poorly 2 or 3 years after planting, fertilization may be beneficial…
It is generally not necessary to fertilize healthy, vigorous trees and shrubs in the home landscape. Most landscape soils in Iowa contain adequate levels of nutrients for trees and shrubs. Plus, trees and shrubs that are growing in…
It is generally not necessary to fertilize fruit trees in Iowa. Most Iowa soils can supply sufficient amounts of nutrients to fruit trees. Check tree growth to determine whether fruit trees need fertilization. Young, nonbearing…
Raised beds provide several advantages over conventional garden areas. Wet, poorly drained sites can be improved by constructing raised beds. A properly prepared raised bed increases drainage, thereby promoting plant growth and increasing crop…
Incorporating compost into garden soil improves the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. For example, adding compost to garden soil increases the moisture-holding capacity of sandy soils and improves the drainage and…
Leaves are an excellent resource for the garden. They break down to add organic matter and nutrients to the soil. As they decompose, they act as a mulch suppressing weeds and helping to maintain consistent soil moisture. Additionally, they can…
Store lawn and garden fertilizers in their original bags or containers so you will know the content and analysis of the product next season. Store granular fertilizers in a protected location where they will remain dry. Granular…
Suitable materials for the compost pile include garden debris, leaves, grass clippings, straw, sawdust, and small twigs and branches. You can also add food scraps from produce items, such as apple cores, potato and banana peels, and melon rinds.…
Raised bed soils should be light and well-drained. An excellent soil mix can be prepared by mixing equal parts topsoil, organic matter (well-rotted manure, compost, or peat), and coarse sand. If bringing topsoil from other…
Fertilize established raspberries in early spring before new growth begins. Apply 4 to 5 pounds of 10-10-10 or a similar analysis fertilizer per 100-foot row. Uniformly broadcast the fertilizer in a 2-foot band. If the…
Asparagus Photo by Cindy Haynes