Lawn and Garden Resources
-
Successful lawn care requires a basic understanding of soil properties. A healthy plant starts with healthy soil. Soil is a complex relationship of soil minerals, organic matter, soil inhabiting organisms, and plants along with water and air. Understanding when and how to aerate the soil and understanding what pH is and how it affects plant health is essential for turfgrass health. This publication aims to help homeowners and landscape professionals improve soil fertility through the techniques discussed.
|
-
Selecting a qualified irrigation contractor is very important. There are many irrigation products available and the installation process requires skill, knowledge and equipment. This publication outlines general considerations for purchasers of a landscape irrigation system. It also underscores the importance of considering the cost of water when selecting a contractor and protecting desirable trees during the installation process.
|
-
Cation exchange capacity (CEC) is a measure of the total negative charges within the soil that adsorb plant nutrient cations such as calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and potassium (K+). As such, the CEC is a property of a soil that describes its capacity to supply nutrient cations to the soil solution for plant uptake.
|
-
C 1027-9
Garden Fencing
This publication describes options for fencing a community or school garden, including fence types and materials.
|
-
Ornamental plantings can be attractive and beneficial options for the expanse of open ground designated for a septic drainfield. Properly chosen plants help manage moisture and nutrient levels in the soils around the drainfield, and can discourage activities that may cause site compaction and reduce the effectiveness of the system. The drawback is that poor plant choices can create costly maintenance issues, and any septic drainfield repair work could disturb planting areas that you value. By following a few simple guidelines, planting in these areas can be both pretty and practical.
|
-
Grasscycling is the natural recycling of grass clippings by leaving them on the lawn after mowing. Grasscycling saves time, effort and, when done properly, is good for the environment and health of the grass. This publication describes the process of grasscycling, a practical and environmentally responsible way of recycling grass clippings in the landscape.
|
-
This publication offers advice on finding less expensive sources of plant material, amendments and tools for community and school gardens.
|
-
C 1027-8
Stocking the Toolshed: Hand Tools
This publication describes the types and quantities of hand tools that work best for community and school gardens, including shovels, rakes, trowels, hand pruners, gloves, children’s tools, and carts and wheelbarrows.
|
-
C 1027-7
Garden Sheds
This publication provides information about storage sheds for community and school gardens, including local building codes, siting a shed, and alternatives to traditional sheds.
|