Horticulture Hints
By Yvonne McCormick, ISU Extension Horticulturist
Garden soil improvement
When preparing your garden soil for spring planting, be sure to incorporate generous amounts of organic
composted materials. Organic compost may be obtained free of charge at sites in most cities. Other
amendments may also need to be added using results of a soil test analysis as a guide.
You can also use free compost in raised beds or containers. Incorporation of at least 2 inches of compost
will help to improve the soil.
Free wood chips to use as mulch around trees and in the garden are also available at city tree disposal
sites. Why buy your mulch, when you can use the extra money to buy more plants? Use of free organic
mulch helps not only the environment, but will improve the soil, help prevent disease and weeds, hold in
moisture and keeps soil cooler. Use of mulch around trees also helps to avoid “mower blight”, to prevent
bark injury from lawn mowers and weed trimmers.
Be sure to generously water soil around plants before and after applying mulch, as to prevent moisture
from wicking out of the ground if the mulch is dry. Once applied, mulch also helps to conserve your on
water bill, as the soil will dry out at a slower rate, needing less watering.
Lawn clippings, if untreated, may also provide a free source of mulch. Old newspapers, shredded paper,
and even scraps of discarded carpeting may be used between rows to help keep garden weeds down.
Did you know? Interested in learning of additional ways to save more money? April 23-30, 2016 is
Money Smart week. Check out local ISU Extension programs on saving money and financial topics, or
visit the Money Smart website at: www.moneysmartweek.org
Gardening Questions? Contact McCormick at yvonne@iastate.edu for information or advice.