Amanda Blum is a freelancer who writes about smart home technology, gardening, and food preservation. Previously, Amanda has worked as a technology strategist specializing in problem solving and ...

A $20 UMass Amherst soil test gives gardeners custom advice to improve soil, save money and help plants grow better.

The most common mistake by home gardeners is not having their soil tested before applying fertilizer or lime. Those who fail to have their soil tested on a regular basis are basically guessing, ...

If your lawn isn’t impressing as much as you’d like, the problem may be hiding underneath the surface. That is why lawn care professionals all recommend carrying out a lawn soil test in spring as the ...

Is soil testing important? How can I get my soil tested? The first question is do you need a soil test? There are several situations where a soil test may be appropriate: 1. Landscaping a new home ...

The Penn State Extension of Berks County Master Gardeners will be featuring questions and answers to inquiries received through their Garden Hotline. As spring is approaching, the Garden Hotline has ...

Soil is more than dirt—it’s a secret financial advisor hiding under your feet. A garden or farm may look fine from the surface, but unseen imbalances in nutrients, pH levels, or soil composition can ...

To grow good plants, you need good soil. The only way to tell what your soil really needs is to take a soil test. Applying too much fertilizer could be detrimental to your plants. You could waste ...

Annette MaCoy, Penn State Master Gardener Coordinator, Franklin County Penn State Extension and the Penn State Agricultural ...

Spring is in the air, and your garden is begging for attention. You’ve got seeds lined up, compost ready, and dreams of a backyard bursting with color. But here’s the twist: your soil might be ...