Garden soil and compost

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.

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

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Garden Ecology Lab

The Garden Ecology Lab studies the plants, insects, microbes, and decisions that improve or degrade a garden’s ability to promote environmental and human health. Led by Dr. Gail Langellotto, the lab's projects focus on native plant-pollinator interactions, microbes in garden soils, urban agriculture and food production, and garden biodiversity. Multiple publications and resources for gardeners are available on the Garden Ecology Lab website.

Gail Langellotto | Nov 2023 | Online resource Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Five earliest vegetables for spring

Soil temperature is directly related to the length of time it takes a seed to germinate. Our climate in Klamath, with slowly warming (inaccessible under snow?) soils, makes indoor seed starting a more valuable tool than in ...

Nicole Sanchez | Feb 2019 | Article

Five tips for choosing: Containers or raised beds

Not every yard is suited to in-the-ground gardening: sometimes containers or raised beds are better options. In rental situations or areas with poor or thin soil, garden space must sometimes be “created”. Internet articles ...

Nicole Sanchez | Apr 2020 | Article

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Latest News

No-till gardening keeps soil – and plants – healthy

No-till gardening minimizes soil disruption, which compacts the soil and destroys the pathways that channel air and water through the soil.

Kym Pokorny | Sep 5, 2023 | News story

Used appropriately, coffee grounds improve soil and kill slugs

Coffee grounds can be worked into the soil or added to a compost pile but should be done with some restraint.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 23, 2023 | News story

Let soil temperature guide you when planting vegetables

This year, however, paying attention to soil temperature is the best way to go for knowing when to plant vegetables. An inexpensive soil thermometer helps keep planting time in perspective.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 20, 2023 | 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.

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Compost Resources

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

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 ...

Weston Miller, Kaci Buhl | Feb 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Composting with Worms

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...

Sam Angima, Michael Noack, Sally Noack | Oct 2011 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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

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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

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 Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Acidifying Soil in Landscapes and Gardens East of the Cascades

Explains the importance of soil pH to plant growth, shows symptoms of plants growing in soil with high pH, and discusses how to modify soil to help maples, rhododendrons, blueberries, fruit trees, and other acid-loving plants thrive in your garden and landscape.

Kerry Locke, Donald A. Horneck, John M. Hart, Robert G. Stevens | Sep 2006 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Acidifying Soil for Crop Production West of the Cascade Mountains (Western Oregon and Washington)

Explains the relationship between high soil pH and nutrient deficiencies in blueberries, rhododendrons, azaleas, and other ornamental crops. Color photos illustrate symptoms of pH-induced nutrient deficiency. Presents ...

Donald A. Horneck, John M. Hart, Robert G. Stevens, Steven Petrie, James Altland | Feb 2004 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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Applying hydrated lime to my garden?

Q: I have heard about applying lime to my lawn and garden to improve my soil. Can I use the pictured product, and how would I apply it? There are no application directions.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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