Soil Care

• How do I test soil pH?

  You can test your soil’s pH by sending a soil sample to your state university cooperative extension office, who will send it off to a lab for a small fee, or by using an at-home testing kit.  To perform a soil pH test with the Jonathan Green Soil pH Test Kit, follow these steps:  ...

• Thatch

  Thatch is a layer of organic matter between the crown of the grass plants and the soil layer. Thatch can appear as a result of an imbalance in your soil or improper lawn maintenance practices. If the microbes in your soil are not plentiful they cannot devour the organic matter in the soil quick enough...

• How can I improve heavy clay soil?

  Clay soil can generally prove to be beneficial for the lawn, as its composition helps your grass to retain water and nutrients, however, heavy, compacted clay soil can present problems for overall grass growth. In order to prevent clay soil from becoming compacted, you should focus on improving the composition and overall quality of the...

• What is Love Your Soil®?

  Love Your Soil® is a soil amendment product that is derived from gypsum to loosen compacted soil and improve soil aeration. It also stimulates soil microbial life and aids in improving root penetration and overall grass growth. When the soil is compacted, it’s harder for nutrients and water to travel to your grass’s root system...

• How to take a soil sample

  Steps to take a soil sample With a shovel or a spade** dig a V-shaped hole to sample depth of 4-6 inches (excluding any thatch), then cut a thin slice off to the side.   Do this in 4 or 5 places in the section of the lawn to be tested. Mix soil cores for...

• What is biochar?

  Biochar is charcoal used as a soil amendment. Biochar can increase the soil fertility of acidic soils and provide protection against some soil-borne diseases.