Gardening

Learn when a lab soil test helps, how to collect a representative lawn or garden sample, and how to use the lab’s recommendations.

Start a vegetable garden step by step: choosing a sunny spot, raised beds or in-ground, soil, what to plant first, watering and simple care.

Work out how much soil a raised garden bed needs in cubic feet and cubic yards, what soil mix to use, and how many bags or how much bulk soil to buy.

Choose garden irrigation by plant zones, bed layout, water source and maintenance needs, then compare drip systems, sprinklers, hoses and controllers.

Start a home compost pile or bin with a mix of dry browns and fresh greens, steady moisture, airflow and a location that suits your household.

Choose a tiller for breaking ground or a cultivator for established beds, then compare model-specific width and working depth.