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Garden Soil and Compost

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Latest News

OSU Extension Master Gardeners see big success with free Level Up Series

The webinars are free and geared toward experienced gardeners but with plenty of information for beginners, too.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 26, 2022 | News story

Give plants a head start by planting in fall (in English)

As more people push to plant in autumn, garden stores are stocking more at the end of summer.

Sep 17, 2021 | News story

Sand, silt or clay? Texture says a lot about soil (in English)

Texture determines all kinds of things like drainage, aeration, the amount of water the soil can hold, erosion potential and even the amount of nutrients that can be stored.

Kym Pokorny | Sep 3, 2021 | News story

All News

Latest Resources

A Home Gardener's Guide to Soils and Fertilizers (in English)

This publication from Washington State University Extension covers the basics of understanding garden soils and fertilizer choices.

Craig Cogger | Jan 2020 | Online resource

OSU Extension Master Gardeners see big success with free Level Up Series

The webinars are free and geared toward experienced gardeners but with plenty of information for beginners, too.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 26, 2022 | News story

Can I plant a cover crop in late December?

P: I have a 5 acre farm just outside of Veneta. I would like to plant a cover crop to combat weed/grass growth for next season. My rows are still bare soil, with short grass growing between. Is it possible to plant a ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

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How to Use Compost in Gardens and Landscapes

By Weston Miller ​​​​​​​and Jeremiah Mann

Compost is a soil amendment consisting of partially broken-down organic material. Use compost to improve soil for vegetable gardens, landscape areas and lawns. Learn how to apply the correct amount of compost and how to avoid common compost mistakes.

View publication
Photo Credit: Markus Spiske - Unsplash.com (Cropped from original)

Compost Resources

Herbicide-Contaminated Compost and Soil Mix: What You Should Know — and What You Can Do About It (in English)

Compost and soil mix products sometimes contain herbicide residue. This residue can damage certain vegetable, fruit and flower crops. The residue likely comes from contaminated hay, grass clippings or manure. Watch for stunted growth...

Weston Miller | Feb 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog

Composting with Worms (in English)

This publication provides step-by-step methods for successful worm composting at home. It includes a concise explanation of specific worm physiology, kinds of bins to use and how to set them up, what to feed the worms, how to...

Sam Angima | Oct 2011 | OSU Extension Catalog

Adding compost improves soil’s texture and adds nutrients (in English)

The best soil amendment is partially broken-down organic material, better known as compost

Kym Pokorny | Mar 12, 2021 | News story

More Compost Resources

How to Collect a Soil Sample for Testing

In this video, Dennis Brown, OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer, Portland Metro Area, demonstrates how to take a soil sample in the garden. Video courtesy of Dennis Brown and Dave Meeker.

Watch the Video
Photo Credit: Dylan de Jonge - Unsplash.com (Cropped from original)

Soil Resources

Do I need cow manure and chemical fertilizers to grow plants well?

P: I am planning to mix top soil and cow manure with 1:1 ratio and use for growing vegetables, flowers, plants in a plastic container/pot. Will the plants grow well? I will be using fertilizers for the plants with NPK 16-12-12 as per the recommended usage in the pack. Will the plants grow well?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

How do I test my garden soil?

Learn why you should test your garden soil and the different kinds of tests to ask for. Resources include instructions for how to collect a soil sample for testing and a short video demonstration.

Brooke Edmunds | Apr 2021 | Article

A Home Gardener's Guide to Soils and Fertilizers (in English)

This publication from Washington State University Extension covers the basics of understanding garden soils and fertilizer choices.

Craig Cogger | Jan 2020 | Online resource

More Soil Resources

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Upcoming Events

Sep 10

Free Compost Workshop

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Eugene, OR
Sep 13

Compost Can-do: develop a system that meets your needs

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT Online
Sep 24

Free Compost Workshop

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Eugene, OR
Oct 1

Soil pH Testing

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Eugene, OR
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Meet Our Experts

Weston Miller
Weston Miller
Community Horticulture

Contact me for gardening questions in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties in Oregon.

Erica Chernoh
Horticulture Assistant Professor of Practice, Commercial and Community Horticulture
headshot of Brooke Edmunds
Brooke Edmunds
Community Horticulture, Master Gardeners

Contact me with gardening questions from Marion or Polk counties

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Pregúntale a un experto es una forma de obtener respuestas del Servicio de Extensión de la Universidad Estatal de Oregón. Contamos con expertos en familia y salud, desarrollo comunitario, alimentación y agricultura, temas costeros, silvicultura, programas para jóvenes y jardinería.

Haganos una pregunta

Can I plant a cover crop in late December?

P: I have a 5 acre farm just outside of Veneta. I would like to plant a cover crop to combat weed/grass growth for next season. My rows are still bare soil, with short grass growing between. Is it possible to plant a ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

See More Questions