Unfortunately, once peat dries out, it will not be easy to rehydrate. You will need a surfactant to re-wet the peat. Coconut oil mixed with water, as best as it will, can help the peat to re-wet, being a surfactant itself.
For this reason, many people choose to use coco-coir and phosphoric acid to bring the pH down to the same level as peat will be, if you need that pH drop.
Once you are able to re-wet the peat, it is important to never let it dry out, or it will become hydrophobic, once again.
This article will help you to understand the benefits of coco-coir:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/planting-in-coco-peat-media.htm
My garden has verticillium fungus in the soil. Read your article about solarization of 3 - 5 weeks with clear plastic. Can I use black plastic over the winter for 2 - 4 months? I live in southern NJ (zip code 08344) I’d like to move my garden to a different location but don’t have enough space for what I would consider a safe distance from its’ current location. I’ve also previously used Mycostop on my transplants. It initially worked but only delayed the inevitable for about a month.
You can. Many people, still, use black plastic. It has been discovered that using clear plastic is more reliable, but black plastic is still common. Leave it on as long as you can for the best results.
It is everywhere, can we get rid of it
It is best to replace greenhouse soil every few years so this would be a good time to do it. Remove the soil and replace it with good loam or bags of topsoil.
i am growing in 55 gal drums cut in 1/2 put peat steer and garden dirt in them
Unfortunately, without photos I cannot get a good look at the area and soil mixture.
This can happen when soil is too rich, too thick, or diseased, mainly. These things can be tested for, however.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/making-sure-soil-drains-well.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds
I’ve just moved into a new house and the garden backs onto the local woodlands. The grass just in front of this wooded area has gone all wet and muddy. The grass is refusing to grow because the trees are blocking the sun to dry it from all the rain. Is there any way I can get the grass to grow again? Or should I plant some kind of plant there?
If there is no way to cut the tree down and allow light to the area, you can choose a plant meant for such an area.
This article will help to get you started:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/shade-plants-for-wet-sites.htm
Is this plant evasive and should we be pulling up the roots?
They look sort of like roots, but I wouldn't expect to see them growing above ground. I'm wondering if they are fungi, types of mushrooms. There are all sorts of strange shapes that go with the fungi, and they usually pose no harm to its surroundings if you want to leave them. There could be harm if someone or a pet ate them, so if that is possible, I would pick them up with a gloved hand and discard in trash.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/what-are-fungi.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/what-are-saprophytes.htm
I have found these ballls that when burst with pressure, release a fluid. I also found one on my pot with multi purpose. I am worried that these a weevil eggs, but I understand that they are smaller. These a approximately 3cm in diameter Thank you in advance Not sure if photos have got through. The balls are yellow in colour
Generally those are slow-release fertilizer balls, but many mistake them for insect eggs.