Soil

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Garden Soil

A close up horizontal image of two hands from the left of the frame holding the soil in the garden.

Your garden soil is a living mixture of organic matter, minerals, air, water, and countless microorganisms. This guide covers the six basic soil types, pH levels, soil structure and texture, and how to match the right plants to your existing conditions. Learn how to make the most of what you have in this guide. Read more.

Composting Autumn Leaves: How to Use Leaves for Compost and Mulch

A close up horizontal image of a wheelbarrow with fresh compost in the garden, with a fork to the right of the frame, pictured in light sunshine.

When life gives you leaves, why not make compost? Autumn’s falling leaves are perfect for making a well-balanced compost bin. Often treated as “waste,” dead leaves are a valuable natural resource that you can turn into black gold for your garden. To learn how to create compost and mulch with fall leaves, keep reading.