This publication provides direction on estimating soil moisture by the "feel and appearance" method; taking a some soil and rolling it up in a ball then squeezing it between your thumb and forefinger to form a ribbon and noting how it appears and feels. Compare what you see with photographs and/or charts to estimate percent water available and the inches depleted below field capacity.
Learn about soil moisture and cultivation needed when dry farming. In facing challenges of increasing weather variability and a changing climate, one experienced dry farmer shares how he has grown squash, beans, tomatoes and corn without irrigation for decades.
There are lots of gardening tasks to complete in April, including fertilizing your lawn and preparing soil and raised garden beds. Learn more in this guide.
This article describes how to determine vineyard nutrient needs through grapevine tissue and soil sampling. It also provides tissue testing guidelines.
For Oregon gardeners, May is a busy month. It's time to check soil temperatures, establish irrigation systems, and to start planting flowers and vegetables. Learn more in this guide.
Gardeners in the Willamette Valley can successfully grow succulent plants by creating conditions that allow them to thrive. That includes well-drained soil and proper watering. Here's a guide.