Experienced gardeners know that garden mulch offers a number of benefits. It conserves soil moisture, keeps weeds under control and enhances the appearance of the landscape. Plus, as it breaks down, mulch enriches the soil, thereby reducing the need for fertilizers and soil amendments. However, not everyone is well-informed about mulching. Many misconceptions are floating […]
Landscaping and planting season is nearly here, and you may need high-quality topsoil to level out low spots in your lawn and fill the bottoms of your raised bed gardens. So, what type of topsoil should you purchase? How can you identify topsoil that’s tops in quality? For lawn and garden success, look for one […]
Playground wood chips and rubber mulch both work to provide a soft landing spot for kids who take a tumble when they’re playing outside. However, the latter option, made of shredded rubber from old tires, could pose a potential safety risk. To cushion kids who fall from or near the swings, slides, jungle gyms and […]
Should you opt for organic mulch or landscaping rock for your planting beds and landscape elements? After you plant new flowers, trees and shrubs – or to freshen up existing planting areas – you’ll want to add just the right finishing touch. But which of these landscape materials will best help you accomplish your […]
You can master container gardening easily, as long as you choose the right garden soil. The soil from your own backyard is far from ideal for garden planters. The restricted environment means the growing medium must provide adequate air circulation and proper drainage. Here in Utah, our poor native soil is more likely to […]
Are you planning to schedule mulch delivery soon? Experts recommend mulching soon after the first hard frost hits and, in northern Utah, that could happen any day now. When it comes to winter mulching, most homeowners put the focus on choosing the right product, deciding which garden beds need protection and determining how much material […]
What’s the difference between compost and fertilizer? And which is the best choice for your garden? Knowing how to answer these questions might not be easy if you’re new to gardening. Compost is a mixture of decomposed organic matter, like plant waste and manure, and it works to feed garden soil. Fertilizer, on the other […]
Soil conditioner provides the optimal environment for growing vibrant and healthy Utah gardens. This soil amendment is made from expanded shale, or shale ore that has gone through a super-heating process in order to mimic the structural character and performance of pumice – a natural, but more expensive product. If you want healthier plant establishment and […]
Winter mulching can help shield your Utah gardens from the harsh effects of the upcoming cold season. In areas that get freezing temperatures in the winter -- like Salt Lake County and much of northern Utah – perennial plants, shrubs and trees become dormant to conserve energy and survive the cold weather. Much like a heavy coat […]
Many novice gardeners think topsoil and garden soil are one and the same, but that simply isn’t the case. Understanding these two types of soil and when to use them can make the difference between achieving your landscape goals and wasting your time and effort. Whether you’re filling raised bed planters, creating container gardens, topdressing […]
