Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Garden Gate

    The Secrets of Soil

    Oct 08, 2019 5 minutes
    —Sherri Ribbey

    Soil may not be the most obvious element in a great garden—after all it’s usually covered with plants. But when this essential element is out of balance, undernourished or unhealthy in some way, your plants just can’t thrive. Unless you’re a scientist, soil may seem like a bit of a mystery. But there are plenty of things a gardener can do to make the soil better. And they aren’t super technical or back breaking. I talked to four soil experts with different approaches to improving the soil, and they shared some of their favorite products and techniques that anyone can use to grow a better garden. Here’s what they had to say.

    ADD ORGANIC MATTER

    John Biernbaum

    Professor of Horticulture, Michigan State University

    Dr. John Biernbaum has been teaching horticulture for more than 30 years, and one of his favorite subjects is soil. The best soil starts with a healthy dose of

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from Garden Gate

    Garden Gate4 min read
    Mint The Essential Cocktail Garden Herb
    Grow this essential herb and join in on the fun of planting a cocktail garden this year! Whether you’re muddling it into a mojito or using it to infuse a simple syrup, mint’s versatility knows no bounds. As a bonus, it’s easy to care for and those pe
    Garden Gate3 min read
    Plants On The Move
    Whether you’re moving a plant across the yard, across town or across the country, relocating trees, shrubs and perennials can be stressful for them. When the plant is a treasured heirloom peony or an expensive hellebore, you want to do your best to s
    Garden Gate4 min read
    Q & A
    Q How do I prune my autumn sage? And how can I prevent unwanted seedlings? Donnie Woods, CA A Most cultivars of autumn sage (Salvia greggii) grow 2 to 4 feet tall and can become rather gangly specimens. This woody perennial probably doesn’t die ba

    Related Books & Audiobooks