Soil Building

Soil building encompasses many different things, as the soil is its own living and changing ecosystem. While it's possible to grow plants without soil, the vast majority of gardeners use it -- soil is everywhere in all of its myriad forms.

Here, we explain all things soil-based as well as the things that are used to improve that soil. Our writing team provides insight into not just soil types and textures, but also composting, cover cropping for soil improvement, mulching for the myriad of benefits it offers, and so many more things.

We'll explore different organic fertilizers and how they work, techniques like the Back To Eden or no-till methods of gardening, and even delve into the many forms of mulch that can be used to reduce erosion and maintain soil moisture.

Organic gardeners know full well the value of having good soil, and the interplay between organic matter and mineral inputs is key to guaranteeing that you have a living, beneficial, and healthy soil food web. To many, the soil is an entirely new frontier waiting to be explored... and so we'll explore it along with you, step by step.

With a little know-how, you too can improve your existing soil in the yard, learn which amendments are necessary or unnecessary in your situation, and optimize for the best outcome for your specific plant types.

An overhead and close-up shot of a hand trowel filled with organic compost, placed along fallen dead leaves, showcasing fall fertilization

Fertilizer

Fall Fertilization: What Your Garden Really Needs Now

Gardens need nutrients to thrive, but when’s the right time to fertilize? Though spring is generally the best season for feeding, you can fertilize your plants in the fall, with a few exceptions. Learn what your garden really needs now with seasoned grower and former landscaper Jerad Bryant.

A small rat pest nibbling on food scraps amid decomposing organic matter in a compost heap.

Composting

How To Prevent Pests in Your Compost Pile

Compost piles should be full of bugs! Composting relies on fly larvae, worms, and microbes that convert decaying organic matter into humus. Other pests, like raccoons and rats, are not good for compost. Join longtime composter Jerad Bryant and learn how to prevent these critters from raiding your piles.

A person holding a potted conifer and fertilizer to fertilize plants August, doing so while wearing gloves with other plants appearing in the background

Fertilizer

7 Plants That Need a Boost of Fertilizer in August

While fertilizing in August isn’t the protocol for all plants, certain specimens benefit from a boost after a long season of active growth. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores select garden plants to fertilize this month as we look ahead to the cool season.

A gardener in high rubber boots pours wood chips from a large bag around an evergreen arborvitae, illustrating the dos and don'ts of applying mulch.

Mulch

9 Mulch Dos and Don’ts

Mulching is a bit more complicated nowadays than it used to be! There are many different options to choose from, and you may wonder which type is right for your garden. Wonder no more! Professional landscaper Jerad Bryant shares nine mulch dos and don'ts.

Close up of a gardener's hands holding vermicompost mixed with long red worms, showing the process of beginning vermicomposting.

Soil Improvement

A Beginner’s Guide to Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting harnesses the power of worms to convert waste into nutritious amendments for the home garden. Whether indoors or outside, worms are an excellent way to recycle and repurpose with little effort on your part. Use this beginner’s guide to start vermicomposting at home.

A woman's hand holds a banana peel next to a lushly blooming rose bush featuring lush, double, soft pink flowers among green, jagged foliage.

Fertilizer

Should You Use Banana Peels to Fertilize Roses?

Garden folklore is filled with home remedies and DIY solutions that promise miraculous results. Banana peels as rose fertilizer is one that refuses to disappear. Gardening expert Madison Moulton examines the science behind this popular garden hack and explains why your roses deserve better nutrition.