Care and How-To - Soils, Fertilizing, and Composting
-
Iowa soils are diverse. Soil pH is one property that can vary widely across the state. It is also one of the most cost-effective and easy-to-manage soil properties that can be modified to improve plant health and crop production.
Learn about how to decrease and increase your soil pH below.
-
Recommended fertilizer rates can be used to determine the amount of fertilizer to apply to a garden area . Use these simple calculations to determine the amount of fertilizer needed.
-
What is "well-drained" soil and how can you improve "poorly-drained" soils? Learn how to test soil drainage and what to do to improve soil drainage.
-
Organic mulches serve several important functions in gardens and landscape plantings.
These many benefits make the use of mulch very beneficial in a wide range of garden settings. When choosing which organic mulch to use, consider availability, cost, appearance, function, and durability.
-
Wood ashes have been used for hundreds of years as a fertilizer. Be sure to use it in moderation on the garden. It contains essential nutrients but can raise soil pH too high.
-
Raised beds have become popular features in the home landscape. They are both functional and attractive and can be used to grow flowers, vegetables, and small fruits.
Learn how to build your own raised beds for use in vegetable gardens and other areas in the landscape.
-
When planting in alkaline or high-pH soil, it's important to select a tree or shrub that is tolerant of soil pH above 7.0.
-
Many areas of the landscape benefit from fertilization, especially the lawn, edible gardens, flowering annuals, and houseplants. However, figuring out how and when to use fertilizers responsibly can be confusing, and improper fertilization can harm plants and the environment.
Follow the guidelines below to learn more about fertilizing all the plants in your landscape and garden properly.
-
When you receive the results from your soil test, it can be overwhelming to determine what to do next. Learn how to interpret the report and use pH, CEC, organic matter, and other test results to apply appropriate amounts of fertilizer and soil amendments.
-
Commercial fertilizers, composted manures, and other fertilizers are applied to supplement a soil's natural fertility. The rate of material to apply varies according to past fertilizer use, crop grown, soil type, and other factors.
-
Manure is the oldest fertilizer known to civilization and can be a cost-effective soil amendment with many beneficial qualities. Many gardeners feel manure is superior to synthetic products. Careful and appropriate use of manure, especially in vegetable gardens, is important.
-
Find general recommendations for fertilizing all areas of your home landscape incluing fruits, vegetables, lawns, perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, and houseplants.
-
Container gardens are an excellent way to grow plants in limited spaces and to add variety and interest to the landscape. Container gardening is relatively easy but there are several things to know before you get started. Included below are several resources to help with container gardening.
-
Creating and maintaining good soil is essential to successful plant growth. Learn more about soil and how to improve it to better support plant growth. This includes information on organic matter, fertilizers, tilling, and soil pH.
-
When buying mulch, you need to know how much to purchase based on the size of the garden bed and the depth you wish to spread the mulch. Use this guide to help determine how much mulch to purchase.
-
High levels of soluble salts in the soil can damage plants. Several factors can contribute to elevated soluble salts in the soil, including the use of excess fertilizers and de-icing salts. Tolerance varies by species. Learn which species are sensitive and which are more tolerant of excess soluble salts.
-
Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly, improve soil, and their analysis can vary by source. This article provides guidance on application rates for commonly used organic fertilizers.
-
Worm composting, or vermicomposting is often used for composting kitchen scraps. It is an appropriate option for a basement or other semi-heated indoor space.
-
Composting is the best way to dispose of your yard and garden wastes. Below are resources and frequently asked questions on composting.
-
Soil blocking starts seeds in compressed soil cubes, promoting strong roots and reducing plastic use, though it requires careful watering and practice.