If you live in a wildfire-prone area, you can create fire-resistant landscaping by creating defensible zones that spread outward from your house.
Author: Amanda Shiffler
Most comfortable with soil under her fingernails, Amanda has an enthusiasm for gardening, agriculture, and all things plant-related. With a master's degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience gardening and tending to her lawn, she combines her plant knowledge and knack for writing to share what she knows and loves.
How to Read a Soil Test Report
Understanding your lawn’s soil chemistry is key for achieving a perfect outdoor green space, but reading a soil test report often leaves homeowners puzzled. This guide simplifies your soil test data by explaining each measurement and its importance, helping you compare your results against ideal ranges and fine-tune your lawn maintenance practices.
How to Use a Grass Tiller
A tiller is a fantastic way to remove an existing lawn and prepare for reseeding. Learn how to use a grass tiller to transform your lawn.
How to Change Your Soil pH
To grow a healthy lawn or a productive garden, it’s important to keep your soil pH within the recommended range. If your soil is too acidic, you can raise the pH by adding lime, wood ash, or oyster shell meal. To lower the pH of alkaline soil, you can add sulfur-based soil amendments.
What Can You Put in a Compost Bin?
Discover what to put in your compost bin! Include food scraps, grass clippings, coffee grounds, and dry leaves, but avoid meat, dairy, and dangerous plants.
How to Keep Pests out of Your Compost Bin
Keep pests out of your compost with a pest-proof bin, proper maintenance, and manage moisture levels to minimize attractive odors
Signs of Salt Damage on Your Lawn and Why They Happen
Learn the telltale signs of salt damage on your lawn — brown spots, dead or thinning turf, a wilted appearance — and why de-icing products cause harm.
What is Compost?
Compost is decomposed organic material, like leaves, grass clippings, scraps, and food waste, that enriches soil, boosts plant growth, and supports sustainable gardening.
How to Use Compost in Your Yard
Use compost in your yard by adding it to any soil used for growing plants, topdressing your lawn, mulching around trees, and stabilizing hillsides.
What’s the Difference Between Pruning and Trimming?
Pruning and trimming are two of the most important ways to maintain trees. Knowing the differences and why both are beneficial is important.