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Garden Soil and Compost

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Latest News

Don’t worry, maggots help break down compost pile

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

Kym Pokorny | Aug 19, 2022 | News story

Like diamonds, clay soils are forever

Bark, manure, leaf mold and compost are among the organic amendments commonly used to improve clay soil.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 5, 2022 | News story

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

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Latest Resources

How can I protect my flowers from freezing?

P: My husband and I planted flowers this past summer. Our hydrangeas have done really well and have still been blooming. We have temps dropping below freezing this coming week. How should I care for them? I’m also new to ...

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Fall yardwork tips?

P: Hello! I live in Redmond, Oregon. As fall approaches, I was wondering: Should I fertilize the garden in the fall? I usually use liquid fertilizer that I spray on. Is this too much stress for the plants in fall? How ...

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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

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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.

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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

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

Kym Pokorny | Mar 13, 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.

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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?

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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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Weston Miller
Weston Miller
Community Horticulture

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

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

Contact me with gardening questions from Marion or Polk counties

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How can I protect my flowers from freezing?

P: My husband and I planted flowers this past summer. Our hydrangeas have done really well and have still been blooming. We have temps dropping below freezing this coming week. How should I care for them? I’m also new to ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

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