We’re well into winter and that means spring and the gardening season is on the horizon. If you’ve got questions, turn to Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State University ...

When it comes to improving clay soil, sand is not the answer. “What do contractors make when they mix clay and sand? Concrete,” said Sacramento soil expert Steven Zien of Living Resources Co. “Adding ...

Sandy loam? Loamy soil? There are many terms to describe the ground under your feet. Here's how to determine the composition ...

Q: I have two Argentine giant cactuses bought from a big box store last summer. I planted them in the garden soil after I amended it with sand, pumice and vermiculite to improve drainage. Recently, I ...

Last month’s relentlessly rainy and all-time-wettest May hammered home why well drained soil is so important to good plant growth. So much yard soil in southcentral Pennsylvania is either naturally ...

A pink hydrangea plant growing in a garden bed topped with stones. - Marina Demidiuk/Shutterstock Adding gravel to garden beds or containers to improve drainage is a tempting shortcut, but when it ...

A Christmas cactus thrives when its soil mimics its natural rainforest home—moist, airy, and fast-draining to keep roots healthy. Experts say the best mix uses regular potting soil blended with ...

New research could help settle questions about one of biochar's biggest benefits -- the seemingly contradictory ability to make clay soils drain faster and sandy soils drain slower. As more gardeners ...

May is an active month for garden activities. Soil preparation is one of the primary tasks, whether in a container or the garden. Today’s column has a warning for applying the soil amendment hydrated ...

With their iconic bright blooms and charm, coneflowers (Echinacea) are beloved by gardeners across the country. Appearing in a range of colors from sunset oranges to striking pinks, there are so many ...