Professional Landscape Contractors in Temecula, CA

VEGETABLES GROW IN SOIL, NOT DIRT The dirt below our feet is an ocean filled with micro-organisms, and a home to many critters and all types of burrowing animals. Dig deep enough and you may encounter relics of the past-fossilized remains of another world. Well, luckily, we don’t need to dig that deep to plant a vegetable garden, but we do need to know what lies below the surface where a vegetable garden is planned. Healthy garden soil is not hard to develop but it sometimes takes more than a season unless you purchase prepared soil; either way, start with a soil test. A soil test will reveal the deficiencies in your existing soil, and help you pinpoint the improvements needed for growing tasty vegetables. Basic soil test kits are available online, at garden centers, and big box stores. Comprehensive soil tests are available through agricultural and fertilizer suppliers, private soil labs, and through the USDA. In addition to testing soil ph and nutrient levels of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus (NPK), a professional lab can also test your soil microbiology to determine the level of activity. Additional nutrients required for healthy plant growth are referred to as micro-nutrients. These nutrients are required in much smaller quantities than NPK but are important.