Soil

  • Fertilizer application by hand

    The value of compost to a garden is probably not what most people think. Compost is not a substitute for fertilizer if you’re trying to grow crops that have a high nutrient demand. The real value of adding composted amendments to your garden is to loosen the soil and minimize compaction, improve the drainage and…

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  • Tomato phenoxy injury from manure

    UGA Extension Agent Paul Pugliese is looking at a backyard vegetable garden, and we discover a common summertime issue; herbicide injury. What is it? And how to prevent.

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  • Dwarf Hinoki Falsecypress

    As a general rule, anytime a tree or shrub dies within the first year of planting, there is usually a root issue involved.  Spring planted trees and shrubs are generally more stressed from summer heat, since their roots are still underdeveloped during the first year.  This results in excessive wilting, which causes well-intentioned gardeners to…

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  • Soil Sampling and mixing process

    This is the time of year that everyone is asking about how and when to fertilize their pastures, lawns, and gardens.  My favorite request is “could you come out to my house and look at my lawn or pasture and tell me why I can’t grow anything?”  I’ve looked at many pastures, lawns and gardens…

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  • herbicide injury on tomatoes

    Question: Is it safe to use hay and manure in my vegetable garden? NO!  That’s the short answer I’ve finally settled on with all the calls and plant samples our office has had to troubleshoot from vegetable gardens in recent weeks.  Please help tell your friends and neighbors they’re probably better off not using hay…

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  • planting in raised bed garden

    In this Extension Corner segment, UGA Extension’s Paul Pugliese talks about planting tomatoes.

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  • laboratory soil bags

    The gift of knowledge is one that any farmer or gardener can truly appreciate. Research is continually finding new and better ways to deal with the challenges farmers and gardeners face and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension publications document those recommendations.  A soil sample kit or a UGA Extension publication on your loved one’s favorite…

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  • School Gardens

    pallet gardens at school

    Over the past year, I’ve been contacted by several elementary and middle schools in Bartow County about starting school gardens! This is an exciting time in education as our local schools work toward becoming certified in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).  Having a school garden is a natural extension of the classroom and gives…

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  • Free Soil

    Soil testing sample

    Question: Can I use soil dredged from Allatoona Lake in my vegetable garden? Every winter, the Army Corps of Engineers must use a crane to dredge out silt and sediment from Allatoona Lake.  If you drive by the Knox Bridge boat ramp on highway 20 near Canton, you will see the mountains of soil that…

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  • vegetable garden rows

    On Tuesday, August 6th at 7pm, the Bartow County Extension office will be hosting a free seminar on “Troubleshooting Vegetable Garden Problems.”  This is a great opportunity for backyard gardeners and local farmers to bring plant samples for diagnosis and discuss common vegetable problems this season.  We will also have several door prizes to give…

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