Home gardeners are often told how important soil testing is for their garden success. But, sometimes the process of reading the report and taking those recommendations can be confusing. Plus, gardeners often have questions not addressed in the soil test report. This new publication is designed to answer frequently asked questions to assist gardeners is […] …
Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition
Soil provides the foundation for much of what we do in horticulture and provides support, air, water and nutrients to plants. Material in this section will provide information on soil testing, managing pH, understanding plant nutrient needs and their supply through various types of fertilization. This section will also include information on soil management, amending, and composting.
Getting the Most out of your Raised Bed or Potting Mix Report
Home gardeners are often told how important soil testing is for their garden success. But, the tests and the interpretations differ if you are growing in a raised bed or container where soil is not the primary growing medium. If you are using compost, peat, and other materials for your vegetable gardening, then this publication […] …
Soil Solarization in Tennessee
Soil solarization is a pesticide-free way to control several of the plant pathogens, weeds, nematodes, and insects in garden soil. Solarization involves covering the soil with plastic to heat it up to temperatures (around 120-130F) that will reduce pests. Often several weeks are needed for solarization and the best results will be in hot summers […] …
Soil Testing
Soil testing is important to get the most out of your lawn, garden, landscape beds, or fruit tree planting area. Taking timely soil samples and then following the recommendations from the UT Soil, Pest, and Plant Center will enable your plants to grow and produce optimally. This publication provides an introduction to the important elements […] …
Sustainable Management of Soil-Borne Diseases
Plant disease requires a pathogen susceptible host, and a favorable environment. All of the methods gardeners use to control diseases focus on one or more of these factors. While many commonly used disease control methods and sprays focus on the pathogen itself, that can be difficult when diseases are present in the soil. Gardeners can […] …
