Alkaline soil has a high ph. Acidic soil has a low ph. FYI
Alkaline soil is anything above 7. Some plants have a very small window, and each whole number in either direction increases the previous factor by 10. The difference between 7 and 8 will be increased by 10. The difference between 7 and 9 will be increased by a factor of 100.
So, as you can see, a plant can prefer alkaline soil, but not tolerate a high soil pH.
We can look at this in the opposite direction, as well.
A blueberry will prefer acidic soil, let's say 5 or 6, but will be killed off at pH of 3. This can be considered overly acidic soil, just as 8.5 to 9 can be considered overly alkaline soil.
trying the clean up the backyard it was overgrown with weed. it was a hell of a job wracking away but finally got it clean. the soil however it very dry in the middle bed. the surrounding soil is quite soft after taking a tiller to it but not sure what to get started with that. I want to put turf on the middle bed how would I get started? also don’t wanna spend so much money into if there any cheap alternatives other the turf? this is my first time gardening thanks in advance!
I would add a thin layer of compost and potting soil, first. Then, you can add earthworms to do most of the work softening the ground for you! Once you get those two things settled, you can plant turf grasses.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/the-importance-of-soil-for-an-organic-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/creating-worm-beds-in-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-attract-earthworms.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/worm-castings.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/drought-tolerant-lawn-grass.htm
Put topsoil down to fill areas husband wants to roll it. No seed down yet. Should he
It looks like you weren't able to finish your question. Does this help?
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/how-to-roll-out-a-grass-lawn.htm
turf and plants? 350sqmtr turf area. 2 24mtr long borders half a meter width. Not sure how deep I should go. Rolawn turf.
Sure, topsoil can be fine. This article will help to iron out some of the details:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/installing-sod-instructions.htm
Hi, I know I am thinking way ahead of time about my garden in coming up spring, but was wondering if you guys do soil test and if yes, when and how it is performed? Thank you! Jill
We don't perform any, physical, services. We provide information, only.
I can suggest looking to your local extension services. They will be able to help perform soil tests. This article will help you to find the closest to you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search
These articles will help you, should you want to test your own soil:
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/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
We don't do soil tests but this is a good time to go one. Contact your local University Extension office and they can get it analyzed for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
I have a compost bin in my garden. Can l use this compost on heathers and azaleas instead of buying specific compost?
You can, but in time you may want to test your soil to see if it has the proper pH balance for these plants. Here's an article that may be helpful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
Hi, I have a few plant pots which contain compost in my living room, is this bad?, do I need to treat the compost well? I have noticed a few flies, but can these lay eggs etc?.... Are these coming from the composted plants. Lastly, I had a "Hyacinth" can these grow back yearly?, How long should they last for?? I am HIV+ so not sure if having compost in my flat is dangerous. Hope you can help, James Nightingale PS: when it comes to having in door plants is it better to have plastic ones??
Compost won't be dangerous, unless it starts to contract molds that can be harsh on the immune system. In order to prevent molds, fungicides can be used, regularly. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
While insects can be a nuisance, indoors, they can be controlled quite easily. Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides
Gardening, indoors, will come with its own set of challenges. Here is a collection of articles that will help with indoor gardening:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/indoor-organic-gardening.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen
As for your Hyacinth- Yes, they are perennials! Here is a collection of articles that will help you to care for the plant: