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Beginner15 min
Soil Science for Gardeners
Soil types, pH, amendments, composting - the foundation of every great landscape.
“You can't grow a $5,000 landscape in $2 soil. Fix the dirt first.”
What you'll learn
Soil typespH testingAmendmentsCompostingDrainage
Soil is either sand, silt, or clay (or a combination). The jar test: put soil in water, shake, let settle - sand at bottom, silt middle, clay top. Loam (40/40/20) is ideal.
pH determines nutrient availability. Most plants prefer 6.0-7.0. Test with a $10 probe or send to your extension office for $15. Add lime to raise pH, sulfur to lower it.