Green Thumb Wisdom 

What is soil PH?
pH stands for potential Hydrogen and is a measure of the soil’s acidity or alkalinity.

Soil pH affects a plant’s ability to draw nutrients from the soil.  It is measured on a scale of 1 to 14 with 7 being neutral.  Soils with a pH below 7 are considered to be acidic (sour) and soils with a ph above 7 are considered to be alkaline (sweet).  Most plants prefer soils with a pH  between 5.5 and 7.5, but will tolerate PH levels slightly above or below that range.  Acid-loving plants like Azaeleas and Rhododendrons prefer pH levels around 4.

A home soil testing kit or assistance from your local cooperative office is the best way to determine the soil ph in your home garden or landscape.  Once your PH is determined, you can then amend your native soil for optimum growing conditions for your region.

How should topsoil be used in the home garden?
Topsoil should be used to build up a quantity of soil in the home garden—new and existing garden beds; new and existing lawns and new and existing landscape projects.

What’s the difference between manure and compost?
Manure is defined as dried, pulverized, shredded, composted, or otherwise processed, manipulated, or treated animal manures are the excreta of animals together with whatever organic bedding or other materials are needed to follow good dairy barn, feedlot, poultry house, practices.

Compost is defined as material derived from the biological decomposition of organic matter accomplished by mixing and piling in such a way to promote aerobic and/or anaerobic decay without synthetic fertilizer materials and adjuncts, other than those used to promote decomposition, and which minimizes pathogens, viable weed seeds, and odors. Some compost piles may contain manure because it is an excellent source of nitrogen and aids in the rapid decomposition of organic material.

What’s the difference between a planting mix and a potting mix?
Planting mixes should be used for in-ground, outdoor planting—such as vegetable and garden beds.  These mixes often contain natural soils with a blend of peat, humus, compost and manure.  Planting mix is also commonly referred to as Garden Soil with a special blend for flowers & vegetables and trees & shrubs.

Potting mixes, on the other hand, are best suited for restricted plantings—containers and pots—and are blended specifically for confined spaces.  These are often soil less mixes containing ingredients such as bark fines, sphagnum peat moss and perlite to assist with moisture retention and drainage.

What’s the difference between a soil conditioner and a soil amendment?
These terms are often interchangeable.  In some cases a soil conditioner, may refer to a product used for the sole purpose of loosening, or otherwise improving the soil structure in preparation for planting.  A soil amendment most often contains, a blend of organic or synthetic fertilizers to encourage and help establish plant growth.

Why is adding organic matter to my soil important?
Organic matter helps to improve the fertility and structure of the soil.  Organic matter is a reservoir of plant nutrients and contains high levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulfer.  Organic matter may also add beneficial bacteria and microorganisms to the soil, both of which are part of a healthy soil ecosystem.

What causes soil compaction and why is it bad for my home garden?
Compaction occurs when weight (from people or machines) is placed on the soil surface or when soil cultivation loosens the soil structure.  As compaction increases, plant roots cannot penetrate this layer and struggle to reach water and essential nutrients.

How can I correct soil compaction?
Changing the physical structure of the soil is the easiest way to correct compaction.  Break up and/or till compacted soil and then add a soil conditioner or soil amendment, rich in organic matter, before planting.

What is NPK?
Nitrogren, Phosphorus and Potassium (Potash)—expressed as a percentage of active ingredients in each pound of fertilizer. 

Nitrogen provides for vigorous growth and quick greening; Phosphorus for root growth and increased flower production, and Potassium (Potash) for increased vigor, disease resistance and improved temperature tolerance.

How much decorative bark or stone will I need for my project?

Why should I use mulch in my yard?
Using a layer of mulch around your plants, shrubs and trees helps to conserve moisture in the soil and assists with maintaining a constant soil temperature.  An adequate layer of mulch (2-4”) also provides a natural weed barrier and provides an excellent medium for beneficial microorganisms, nematodes and insects. Plus, it has the added benefit of making your home landscape more attractive.

What are the different kinds of mulches?
Mulch products fall into two categories—organic and inorganic. Organic mulches (such as bark nuggets, hardwood mulch & chips, cypress mulch, cedar mulch or colored mulch) will break down after a season or two but as this breakdown occurs, the soil will be enhanced by the addition of organic matter.

Inorganic mulches (such as decorative stones) will stay in place longer but will not add organic matter to the soil.  Stone, however, is best suited for use on paths, around walkways and permanent plantings.

Info Provided by Waupaca Northwoods, LLC.  - a soil & mulch company