Grass And Soil
Founder & Editor
My earliest memories of gardening come from sneaking peeks at my grandfather’s overgrown tomato vines in West Virginia, where he swore by the ‘let-it-go’ method. I still grow tomatoes today, though I’ve since learned that sometimes a little pruning goes a long way.
This site is my way of paying forward the lessons I’ve gathered—from soil science to seed saving—so others can find joy in the dirt without the overwhelm.
More from Harriet Janowski
Advice8 articles
Aphids1 article
Blooming4 articles
Companion Plants8 articles
Container Gardens19 articles
Fertilization6 articles
Flowers4 articles
How To168 articles
Landscaping13 articles
Lawn3 articles
Light Requirements20 articles
Neem Oil22 articles
Orchid Care4 articles
Pests4 articles
Picking2 articles
Planting9 articles
Plants7 articles
Propagation13 articles
Pruning5 articles
Shrubs4 articles
Size2 articles
Succulent3 articles
Tools26 articles
Trees7 articles
Your plants aren’t thriving because the soil isn’t speaking their language— soil pH calculator tests unlock the secret code for nutrient access. 🌱 I’ve spent years adjusting pH for picky plants like blueberries (need…
Your zip code holds the secret to planting success this season. 🌱 Soil temperature maps reveal when to plant everything from tomatoes to tulips—without guessing or waiting too long. I’ve used these maps to time my…
Your azaleas won’t thrive unless the soil pH is between 4.5 and 6.0 —that’s the secret to those bold blooms you dream of. 🌸 I learned the hard way when my azaleas turned yellow and dropped leaves last spring, despite…
💥 Quick Answer Potting soil does expire over time, losing nutrients and breaking down within 6 months to 2 years, depending on organic matter content and storage conditions. Refresh or replace it before planting to…
💥 Quick Answer Soil doesn't expire, but its fertility declines over time as nutrients deplete, organic matter breaks down, and erosion strips away essential minerals, making it less productive without proper care. Think…
💥 Quick Answer To determine how many 40lb bags of topsoil cover a yard, calculate based on depth: a 1-inch layer needs about 90 bags per 100 sq ft , while 2 inches requires 180 bags . For a full yard (e.g., 5,000 sq…
