Know your soil type so you can pick the right plants. Some plants are fussy about the soil they grow in. Pick up a handful of moist soil and squeeze it. See how it responds:
Sandy – crumbles as you open your hand.
Loam – holds its shape but crumbles as you poke it.
Clay – remains in a tight firm lump.
Native plants like native soil; soil amendments may cause them to decline.
For non-native plants, keep your soil healthy – mix in fully composted organic material once a year to improve fertility. In flower and shrub beds cultivate in fully composted organic material to 12” deep to improve soil drainage.
Watch drainage – if water is slow to soak in when you water, the soil may be saturated or have poor drainage. Cut back on irrigation if there is too much water.
Know what soil conditions your plants like – check with your local nursery and the information provided with the plants in this CD.
NEVER dump oil, paint, household cleaning products, or leftover pesticides in your landscape. Dispose of them properly so you don’t permanently damage your soil.
