Soil
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The average American produces roughly 4.5 lbs of garbage or waste per year, and while recycling can be beneficial for glass, plastic, and metals, there are many organic wastes that can’t go to the landfill. Roughly 28% of waste deposited in landfills can be composted. Whether you’re trying to get rid of garden waste like…
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As we hit August, it’s time for all of my plant lovers to get serious about planning for the next few months. Regardless of whether you’re trying to plant vegetables, a wildlife food plot, maximize hay or forage production, or help your lawn and ornamental plants thrive, soil testing is a critical part of the…
Posted in: Soil -
If you’re interested in growing plants of any kind, it’s important that you understand how important your soil is. From a conservation standpoint, soil helps filter rainwater, preventing contaminants from entering the aquifer, and regulates runoff into the ground, which prevents flooding. Soil is an important sequester of carbon, provides a home to fungi, bacteria,…
Posted in: Soil -
Maintaining proper soil pH and fertility is essential for success in gardens. Whether you’re hoping to grow beautiful flowers or tasty vegetables, plants need essential nutrients just like any other living thing. Extension typically recommends selecting a fertilizer for your garden that matches the needs of what you’re growing and your soil test report. Animal…
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The other day I was out doing some work around my property and had not one, but two thistles growing in my lawn. Thankfully, thistles in their rosette stage are easy enough to kick out of the soil and kill off, but I’m glad I noticed them before they bolted, flowered, and spread. As our…
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Did you know that the UGA Soil, Plant, and Water Laboratory provides testing services and expert recommendations for resource management to Georgia residents? Soil and water testing is essential for homeowners and producers alike, but there are a variety of other tests that Lincoln County Extension can provide. A soil test is used to determine…
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I had a client come in last week who has been having issues with extensive root damage on the plants in her gardens. The culprit? Nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic parasitic worms that live in the soil and can have a huge impact on plant growth and development. Georgia is one of the top 4 producers…
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Robyn Stewart I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately around soils for raised beds and home gardens. Unfortunately, most of these calls are coming 2-3 months after seeds have been planted, when nothing is growing and it’s clear there is an issue. While there are many reasons that plants won’t grow or thrive, poor…
Posted in: Soil -
Robyn Stewart The soil testing program provided by the Lincoln County Extension Office is a collaborative effort between University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and the Agricultural Experiment Station. Founded in 1970, the UGA Soil, Plant, and Water Laboratory is responsible for testing over 100,000 samples annually. A soil test is used to determine the fertility…
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Robyn Stewart Here in the Southeast, we are no stranger to a variety of summer weather but over the past month we have watched the typical Georgia summer devolve into a severe region-wide drought. The October 8th Georgia Drought Monitor identified that over 50% of the state is in a state of severe drought and…