Perlite is a volcanic glass that is often used in gardening due to its lightweight, porous nature that aids in healthy plant development. "It is made from a type of volcanic glass called obsidian," ...

Of the tests to do before planting in your garden, a drainage test is among the best (and easiest). Try this quick drainage ...

Most gardeners know that success depends on many factors: You can’t grow a sun-loving plant in a shady area, for example. And a shrub that loves wet places won’t do well in dry soil. But the most ...

A reader in Rohnert Park asks the Garden Docs why their sloped backyard isn't draining well. L.B. writes: I have a slope behind my house in Rohnert Park and according to what I have read about soils ...

We’re well into winter and that means spring and the gardening season is on the horizon. If you’ve got questions, turn to Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State University ...

When water gathers beneath the surface, it can weaken structures or erode foundations, leading to costly damage over time. Sub-soil drainage systems are designed to manage that unseen flow, guiding ...

Soil is life, dirt is death, and the vast distance between takes a lifetime to cross. Mike Kelley is staring into the chasm and believes part of his farmland will suffer stunted yields for the rest of ...