Categories

Looking for something specific?
Here are some things I’ve written about. Search any of these
.

apples, apricots, artichokes, arugula
beets, blueberries, broccoli
carrots, cauliflower, celery
cool season garden, cucumbers
garlic, guavas, insects, kale, kohlrabi
kumquats, lettuce, limes
marionberries, mustard ,oranges
organic, persimmons, poetry
pomegranates, radish, raised beds
rhubarb, scallions, snow peas
spinach, squash, strawberries
tangerines, tomatoes
warm season garden, zucchini
Something not here? Get in touch.

 

 

Quick Squeeze Soil Test

Quick Squeeze Soil Test

Here's a quick way to tell what kind of soil you have using the squeeze test. To determine your soil type, take a handful of moist (but not wet) soil from your garden, and give it a firm squeeze. Then, open your hand. One of three things will happen:

1. It will hold its shape, and when you give it a light poke, it crumbles. This means luxurious loam! 

soil%2Btest%2Bloam.jpg

2. It will hold its shape, and, when poked, sits stubbornly in your hand. This means you have clay soil.

soil test clay.jpg

3. It will fall apart as soon as you open your hand. This means you have sandy soil.

soil+test+sand.jpg

If you have sandy or clay soil, the compost in the top photo is the remedy and it will keep loam soil healthy and friable.

Source: UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Orange County website.

In My San Diego Garden and Kitchen

In My San Diego Garden and Kitchen

Tomato Growing Tips

Tomato Growing Tips