Power Planter Changes Gardening Forever. Each spring, millions of pansies, petunias and other flowering plants are carefully planted in yards and gardens to beautify homes and landscapes. The same thing happens in vegetable gardens, where millions of tomatoes, peppers and other edible plants are planted. It doesn’t end there. Fall is the best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are planted. Planting bulbs in the autumn ensures that yards and landscapes are brightened by colorful flowers as soon as winter fades. What do all those billions of plants and bulbs have in common? A hole has to be dug for every one of them. And that means a whole lot of time and energy is spent digging in the dirt. “The number of holes that are dug every year is astounding,” said Greg Niewold, president of Power Planter, the company that makes Power Planter augers. “Our mission is to reduce the time and effort it takes to dig planting … [Read more...] about Power Planter Augers: Digging Made Easy
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Soil Testing for Beginners
Soil testing and examining the soil is crucial to growing healthy plants. Quite simply, plants won't survive without good, healthy soil. Good soil can support plant growth because it contains the right amounts of nutrients plants need. Also, healthy soil has the right consistency to support root health and development. When the roots are growing rapidly, healthily, and happily, you can grow the healthiest plants. That’s why soil testing is so important. Soil testing is checking for all the qualities of good soil: structure, compaction, ease of use or workability, the presence of natural organisms, plant development, water infiltration, and soil pH. Here are some practical soil testing techniques. Soil Testing for Structure You can't tell if your garden soil is dry or wet just by looking at the surface. Dig a small hole about 10 inches deep and place the soil in a small tray. Try to take an intact soil sample and break it apart with your hands. Check if the soil is … [Read more...] about Soil Testing for Beginners
