Category Archives: Soil/Soil Prep/Mulch/Compost

A Basic Soil Chemistry Review

By Justin Keay [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue. It is part of a 4-part series of articles on how to test soil, get the sample analyzed, understand the report and use it to apply the correct type and amount of fertilizer.] Before you take on the task of analyzing a soil test, it

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How to Interpret a Soil Test

By Justin Keay [This article first appeared in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue and is part of a 3-part series on how to take a soil sample, receive a test report, and how to understand it and fertilize properly. Links to the other articles in the series can be found at the end of this article.] Having your soil

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How, Why and When to Test Your Soil

A picture of someone taking a soil sample

Soil testing is an important practice for anyone trying to grow healthy and productive plants. By Justin Keay [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue.] MU Extension offices across the state processes thousands of soil samples every year and MU Extension Specialists are always happy to help you understand your soil test results. Soil testing

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How to Choose and Apply Fertilizer

By Justin Keay [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue, and is part of a 4-part series on how to take a soil sample and how to analyze a soil test report and then use that information to purchase and apply the appropriate fertilizer.] Now that you’ve taken a soil sample, had it analyzed and

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Various Methods to Suppress Weeds

An image of weed suppression techniques being applied to a garden.

Weed pressure in the garden can be daunting. Successful weed management in organic agriculture is a challenge that requires patience, preventative measures, dedication, and a commitment to following through with the systems put into place. By Crystal Stevens [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener June 2018 issue.] Weed pressure in the garden can be daunting. Successful weed

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Feed Your Soil and Organic Diet: Compost

[This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener September 2006 issue] By Patrick Geraty Good nutrition continues to be a hot topic these days, with the popularity of organic foods skyrocketing and Americans from every walk of life increasingly sensitive to the specifics of their daily diet. It’s the same in home gardening and lawn care.  More hobbyists are

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