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Garden soil and compost

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OSU Extension offers science-based information to help gardeners and landowners build healthy soil and use compost effectively. We provide guidance on soil testing, amendments and composting methods to support plant health, reduce waste and improve garden productivity. Learn what the latest research tells us about common compost or soil questions and how to put that knowledge into practice in your garden.

Latest Resources

Am I introducing lead into my soil from old window frames in my cold frame?

P: I’m using an old pair of windows to build a cold frame. Lately I’ve noticed that the paint on the window is starting to chip. Since I don’t know how old the windows are, I’m not sure if they have lead paint ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Can I eat volunteer vegetables from my compost?

P: I maintain a fairly productive compost pile that I use to replenish my raised beds each year. This year, I have a large number of plants (mainly squash and tomatoes) that have come up in beds where this compost was ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Sheet mulching and lasagna composting with cardboard

Transform cardboard and compostables into healthy garden soil with lasagna composting—a simple, no-dig method to suppress weeds, conserve water and enrich your beds naturally.

Shannon Rauter, Len Sherp | Jul 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

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Latest news

Add organic matter to improve most garden soils

What to add, how to incorporate it, and simple cover-crop options.

Sep 25, 2025 | News story

Soldier fly larvae: Beneficial compost helpers

Soldier fly larvae are voracious consumers of high nitrogen materials such as kitchen food scraps and manures, as they decay.

Kym Pokorny | Jul 1, 2025 | News story

Why soil pH matters — and how to manage it in your garden

The availability of key nutrients — including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — is influenced by pH.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 10, 2025 | News story

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Become a Master Gardener!

The Master Gardener™ program educates Oregonians about the art and science of growing and caring for plants. This program also facilitates the training of a highly educated group of volunteers, who extend sustainable gardening information to their communities through education and outreach programs.

Learn more about volunteering

Compost resources

Weeds, grass clippings and compost concerns

In the spring when lawns and compost piles are kicking into gear, these popular questions crop up. Read on for answers.

Apr 2024 | Collection

Do the rot thing — choosing and using a composting system

Composting is the art and science of mixing organic materials to create a rich material that improves soil. Here's a look at what can be composted and the various methods for mixing and breaking down the components.

OSU Compost Specialists | Nov 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Three methods for no-turn cold composting

Recycling organic debris for composting and improving soil doesn’t have to be a chore! If hot composting is not for you, try one of these easy cold-composting methods. Each has advantages and disadvantages but the end result is the same: improved garden soil and less organic waste in landfill.

Linda Brewer | Oct 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Composting with worms

Study step-by-step methods for successful worm composting at home. Learn what kinds of bins to use, how to set them up, what to feed the worms, how to harvest the worm compost and uses for worm compost.

Sam Angima, Michael Noack, Sally Noack | Jun 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

More compost resources

How to use compost in gardens and landscapes

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.

Learn more about using compost

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

Soil resources

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 | Nov 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Understanding soil health and biota for farms and gardens

Like sunlight, water and air, soils are the foundation of life on Earth. Learn how soils link plants, the atmosphere, agriculture, food security, health, the economy and the environment.

Shikha Singh, Linda Brewer, Scott Lukas | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

How to take a soil sample 101 (in English)

Come along with Logan and learn how to take soil samples from your garden or field beds.

Logan Bennett | Jan 2025 | Video

Explore soil resources

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Upcoming Events

Apr 29

DIY Composting*

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT Online
May 2

Free Compost Workshop & Soil pH Testing

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Florence, OR
May 2

Free Compost Workshop - Cottage Grove

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cottage Grove, OR
May 2

Soil pH Testing

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

Samikshya Budhathoki
Master Gardener and Small Farms Program Coordinator

Contact me with agriculture and Master Gardener questions in Tillamook County.

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

Contact me about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program or gardening questions from Polk or Marion counties

Janhvi Pandey
Extension Horticulture Assistant Professor of Practice
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Am I introducing lead into my soil from old window frames in my cold frame?

P: I’m using an old pair of windows to build a cold frame. Lately I’ve noticed that the paint on the window is starting to chip. Since I don’t know how old the windows are, I’m not sure if they have lead paint ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

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