Question from Barbara: I recently read in one of your updates that you too have (or had) hydrophobic soil – the kind that water runs right off of.  How do you solve this problem? If I actively mix water into the top layer of soil by stirring it, it turns into muddy slurry.  Thanks for […]

Question from Peter: Can I mix cosmetic clay powerder to my very airy perlite/soil mixture to add extra minerals and maybe better water retention. The cosmetic clay is cheap and two pounds is all I’m looking to soil condition with . I’m also planning on mixing in some extra coco coir i have laying around […]

Our Poor Pitiful Garden Soil and What to Do About It Our Poor Pitiful Garden Soil and What to Do About It with Pat Welsh. September 22, 2012.

Question from Judy: Great website. I just found you. My husband just built a planter box 38x48x12deep. It is on wheels so i can move it to get sun both summer and winter. My growing space is small with everything planted. I have removed much of the none editable landscape. If I can’t eat it […]

Question from Robin: I am an old friend of Nancy S and Sharrie W. Have known them both close over 25 years…as our sons grew up together. Sharrie told me about a lecture you gave within the last several months about being careful not to inhale fungus in the garden. As it turns out I […]

Question from Connie: I mostly garden in containers. Last spring was my second year to do this type of gardening. I bought and planted in Moisture Control Miracle Grow. My plants did not flourish and grow, and I’m pretty sure it was the soil. How can I amend this soil to develop a better drainage […]