Soil & Soil Building

Garden Fundamentals

Gathering Garden Worms

Those rainy spring days create the perfect situation for gathering garden worms to aerate and fertilize the soil in your garden beds. Find out how to do it.

Garden Fundamentals

Prep Soil Now for Next Season

Before you lock up those garden tools for the winter, here’s a great idea for getting a jumpstart on your spring garden: Spend a bit of time improving the soil in your beds. Not only will it put you on the path to a healthy, productive garden...

Garden Fundamentals

The Importance of Healthy Roots

Did you know that what you see above ground in your plants is really determined by what's hidden underground? What happens underground, where the plant roots live, drives plant growth. The bigger and healthier the root system, the bigger and healthier the plant.

Garden Fundamentals

You Must Use a Good Potting Mix

When you look at the root system of a Bonnie plant, you’ll find a “soil” mix that grows healthy roots. You may be surprised that it is not real soil from the earth. Instead, it's a potting mix (also called potting soil)... .

Garden Fundamentals

Why Does pH Matter?

Simply put, plants grow better when planted in soil with the correct pH level. If pH is too high or too low, plants won't be as productive. Learn more here.

Garden Fundamentals

The Soil is Alive. Really!

In the soil beneath your feet, there’s an invisible world filled with life-and-death drama. Scientists call this world the soil food web. This web features a diversity of creatures, from microscopic bacteria, fungi, and algae, to mites and nematodes, to earthworms, ants, spiders, and plant roots.

Garden Fundamentals

How Many Pots Can You Fill with a Bag of Soil?

How many pots in your container garden can you fill with a bag of potting soil? Find the answer here.

Garden Fundamentals

Good Soil Means Good Vegetables

Vegetables need good soil. Roots will grow deeply and soak up nutrients for healthy, productive plants. Here is how to prepare your garden soil.

Garden Fundamentals

Begin When the Soil Tells You

When is the best time to begin working the soil in preparation for your spring garden? Find out how to tell when it's time.

Garden Fundamentals

Fertilizer and Healthy Soil

Discover how fertilizer can help feed your garden, so you'll have the kind of healthy soil that leads to healthy plants and better harvests.