Soils And Compost

Primary Image
SMall chalkboard with he words "Gardening Tips" handwritten on it
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Soil Tips

Garden Help > Monthly TipsGood nutrient balance makes healthy garden soils. It is beneficial to get soil tested by a state-certified laboratory. Below is a collection of our monthly tips that relate to garden soils.To-DosWhat to PlantTo-Dos: SoilBone Meal for Bulbs? Green Waste or Compost Mulch Bare Soil…
View Page
Primary Image
banner mulch
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Mulch

Mulch is material placed on top of soil to cover and protect it, improve soil structure and fertility, and enhance the areas overall appearance.
View Page
Primary Image
Garden soil held in open hands
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Soil Testing

Soil testing isn’t always needed, but when you want to have one done, this page provides options about how to do it.
View Page
Primary Image
Banner Compost A
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Compost

Composting is the process of turning kitchen and yard waste and other organic materials into a decomposed soil amendment. It is a natural process that provides beneficial microbes and is a key ingredient in organic gardening and farming.
View Page
Primary Image
Beads of water on a green leaf, Canva image
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Watering Hydrophobic Soil

Many potting soils become hydrophobictending to repel waterwhen they dry out, and are difficult to re-wet. Gardeners may see water draining out the bottom of a pot and assume that means that the soil is saturated.
View Page
Primary Image
Banner compost A
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Other Soil Amendments

Credit: UC ANR A soil amendment is any material added to soil to improve its physical properties, such as water retention, permeability, drainage, aeration, and structure. They can also be used to modify soil pH. There are lots of different materials available you can use to improve your soil.
View Page
Primary Image
Hands in Soil
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Common Soil Problems

George Becker, Pexels Unhealthy soil causes poor plant performance. Correct soil deficiencies in your garden before you plant.
View Page
UC Master Gardeners of Central Sierra: Page

Central Sierra | Master Gardeners | February Gardening Tips

Above 2000 ft. : prune deciduous fruit trees, cane berries Below 2000 ft.: prune grapes, roses, crepe myrtle. Paint trunks of bare root and young fruit trees to prevent borers and protect from sunburn. Use interior white latex paint with equal amounts of water and apply generously.
View Page
Primary Image
compost leaves
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Compost & Other Soil Amendments

Is your garden soil not quite what you want it to be? Need to make some improvements? Soil amendments may be a solution. Before making any additions or changes to your soil, its good to know what soil amendments are and how they may work in your soil.
View Page