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
💥 Quick Answer What happens if you use potting soil in the ground disrupts natural soil structure, causing poor drainage, compaction, and nutrient imbalance that stunts root growth and weakens plant health over time…
💥 Quick Answer Blueberries need acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 to grow strong roots and produce sweet berries. Test your soil regularly and adjust with sulfur or peat moss if the pH climbs above 6.0…
💥 Quick Answer For optimal plant growth, the best compost to soil ratio is 3 parts soil to 1 part compost in garden beds, while seed-starting mixes should use 1 part compost to 3 parts soil . This ratio maintains proper…
💥 Quick Answer Pine trees do make soil acidic over time by releasing organic acids from decomposing needles, which lowers soil pH and creates conditions ideal for acid-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons…
💥 Quick Answer Yes, plant soil does go bad over time, losing nutrients, breaking down, and becoming compacted or waterlogged. Refresh or replace it every 1-2 years for healthy plant growth or when it smells sour…
💥 Quick Answer To determine how much topsoil for sod, spread 2 to 3 inches over the prepared area to support root growth and drainage. A 100-square-foot lawn needs 2 to 3 cubic yards of topsoil, adjusted for soil type…
