Last winter my hydrangeas fell victim to nutrient deficiencies. After performing a soil test to determine a path to reviving the plant, I lowered the pH; fed it some nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; and witnessed my plant survive. Not only did it survive, but my hydrangeas thrived in these new conditions…so much so that…
I am an avid bird watcher. My yard is full of all kinds of birds, and I am always scouring the trees and nooks to check in on all my momma birds and their babies. This spring I was working in my yard to get ready for green spring up and I had the pleasure…
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “The United States addresses agricultural and food policy through a variety of programs, including nutrition assistance, crop insurance, commodity support, and conservation. Much of the legal framework for agricultural and food policy is set through a legislative process that occurs approximately every 5 years. The current…
I love my garden. I love squash and I LOVE simple Back 2 School recipes. Working full time with 4 kids, this is a staple go – to that my mom taught me. The best part – it can be adapted if your garden did not give you enough squash OR you have extra unexpected…
Earthworms: these slimy critters get a bad rep, but they can be crucial to healthy soil. Earthworms purify the soil, making a more fertile land for plant growth. Their activities also enhance nutrient availability and aid in drainage, SoilKit spoke with Doug Jacobs, an earthworm raiser in Baldwin County, AL to understand the impact earthworms…
Creating a thriving garden involves more than just planting beautiful flowers or growing delicious vegetables. It’s about fostering a balanced ecosystem where beneficial insects play a vital role. These remarkable creatures not only aid in pollination but also act as natural predators, keeping harmful insects in check. Read on to explore the numerous benefits of…
Did your SoilKit results come back with a boron treatment recommendation? While nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the three biggest components of getting a healthy lawn or garden, micronutrients are also important for the health and yield of crops. According to Mosaic, “B[oron] is the second most widespread micronutrient deficiency problem worldwide after zinc.” Crops…
Summertime – and especially July – is a time for enjoying the harvest from the spring garden. I have 20 family members and we have a family garden, now named the “256 Garden”. My brother, Allen, and Mom organized the spring garden this year and, as usual, we had the soil tested and prepped. …
Summer is here, and it’s time to unleash your green thumb and make the most of your garden or lawn. To ensure vibrant and healthy plants, proper soil testing is crucial. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, we’ll help you understand the importance of soil testing, its benefits, and how it can help…
Is there a fungus among us? Summer is the perfect time to treat your lawn with a Fungicide application. This treatment is typically done when there is evidence of fungal disease or as a preventive measure during specific seasons or weather conditions. The timing of this treatment can vary depending on the region, climate, and…
Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year. After a long, cold, or dreary winter, the arrival of spring brings with it warmer temperatures, longer days, and the promise of new growth. One of the most beautiful aspects of spring is the emergence of colorful flowers, which can transform a dull…
As the spring season rolls around, we start to see an abundance of new growth and blooms. This is also the time when pollinators come out to play. Pollinators are essential for plant reproduction, and without them, we would not have many of the fruits and vegetables that we rely on for food. In this…
Did you know that the very first celebration of Earth Day was in 1970? The date of April 22nd was selected to coincide with the vernal equinox and to mark the arrival of Spring. Today, we celebrate to honor the achievements we’ve made in protecting the environment and to shine a spotlight light on the…
Spring has sprung and what better way to set the season into full bloom than to get your garden going? SoilKit spoke with Jill McSheehy, creator and host of the top-rated Beginner’s Garden Podcast and author of Vegetable Gardening for Beginners, to learn some tips and tricks for the best gardening practices this season. Whether…
Calling all Floridian landscape contractors! Are you looking for a simple yet insightful way to test your soil? SoilKit is just right for you! Your soil test results will come complete with a list of the items the soil needs, how much to use, and recommendations of choice products. With the postage label and fee…
Why is soil testing important? SoilKit spoke with J. Bryan Unruh, P.D., Professor at the University of Florida and state extension turf grass specialist for the IFAS extension office, to answer this question and more. Dr. Unruh explains, “The landscape revolves around 4 things: water, light, temperature, and nutrition…and soil testing is the key component…
Why did we spend 18 months doing a redesign of SoilKit365? When we listened to our customers, they wanted more and we worked to give them just that. SoilKit365 was originally designed to provide the soil’s nutrition deficiency information, plus a prescription for what to do at the moment. The newly designed product will address…
February marks a month in which we honor and celebrate the history of African Americans and their standing in the evolution of our nation. These individuals have played a pivotal role in our country’s history, notably in the context of agriculture. It is no mystery that our current agricultural landscape has been influenced by the…
Meet Auburn University’s soil testing lab manager and chemist, Dr. Jessica Davis. Before Auburn, Dr. Davis worked at Imaging Systems Technology working on plasma display panels and single-touch displays technology in its infancy. She went back to school and received her Ph.D. in chemistry from Wayne’s State University in Detroit, MI. When first hired by…
Happy New Year, everyone! As we kick off another year, many of you are taking a well-deserved break from your lawn and garden routine. At SoilKit, we enjoy the down time too. Once the clock strikes midnight on the past year, however, growing season really isn’t that far away. We can’t wait until the world…
It is tough to believe 2022 is already coming to a close. As I look back on everything in 2022, I think of all the things I wanted to do this year that I did not get to do. So, I am adding a vanilla bean greenhouse to next year’s agenda. But as I reflect…
As we approach the end of the year, we also approach the end of hurricane season. The SoilKit family is no stranger to hurricanes as we suffered immense damage to our office from Hurricane Sally. Most, if not all, of our staff also suffered damage to their homes. We were absolutely heartbroken for the people…
Many people know I am from the Woerner Family but what many do not know is that my mother is also from a farming family – the Kichler Family. The Kichlers are primarily known as sweet potato farmers from Elberta, AL. Growing up in a sweet potato family, you learn not only how to grow…
When you think of pollinators, do round, furry bumblebees come to mind? Bees are designed to pollinate! A bee’s buzz is a middle C tone the vibration of which helps to release thousands of pollen grains as it flies in and out of flowers. Any pollen that doesn’t get stuck to the bee can…
This year’s Arbor Day fell on April 29, 2022. While I was reflecting on the importance of Arbor Day, Arbor Day Foundation, and trees, I was reminded of a particular tree in my yard in Orange Beach, Alabama, and an event that took place this spring. This particular tree, a water oak (Quercus nigra), was…
Labor shortage: an epidemic plaguing the nation and affecting all industries, especially the landscaping industry. SoilKit spoke with Jess Burg the founder of Outgrow your Garage, a company that provides business expertise for those involved with the trades, and former owner of Pears to Perennials, a landscaping company, to hear her insights into the impact…
Is your soil acidic? Although this might sound bad, in some cases, it is actually what is best for your plant. Whether you are just a beginner, a seasoned professional, or farming for fun, understanding your soil’s pH is crucial to growing a healthy lawn or garden. If you find that your soil’s pH…
Suffering in These Dog Days? Tips on Getting Your Lawn Through the Long, Hot Summer “Dog Days bright and clear Indicate a happy year; But when accompanied by rain, for better times, our hopes are vain. Dog Days are approaching; you must, therefore, make both hay and haste while the sun shines,…