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.
This report includes preliminary data for the second of a three-year study. Since this year was a record drought year, results could vary from a normal rainfall year. Finalized data and observations will be released in future as peer-reviewed studies, reports, and extension articles. For more information, please visit the RDFA project page. .
To keep your lilacs looking their best, they need to be pruned, fertilized and shaped almost every year, soon after they are done blooming in the late spring.
In streamside or riparian areas, choosing the right plants and where to plant them depends on location in relation to the streambed. There are three zones that dictate the kinds of plants that can be grown.
Bare-root native plants are an economical way for gardeners to contribute to the health of ecosystems and watersheds. While they are affordable because of their small size, they also require careful handling.