Soils that Shed Water

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...

My mission in the Kalu Yala

Question from Chris: My name is Chris Garcia, I am not a beginner gardner but I am definitely not at your level yet. I am on a mission to gain as much knowledge as possible regarding organic gardening, I am seeking an internship of sorts in Panama to...

Humic Acid

Question from Maureen: How often do you recommend applying humic acid? I did purchase from Peaceful Valley. I put it in my veggie garden before planting seeds. Thank you! Answer from Pat: Humic acid seems to have a strong effect as a planting fluid....

Sand and Clay

Question from Irene: I have had a huge perennial garden for ten years. It was clay.It was once beautiful, had garden parties. Every year, in the spring, I incorporated the bags of tube sand from winter into my soil,(pleasantly happy with myself for “enriching...

Soil improvement

Question from Kate: Hi Pat, I attended the orange county master nursury class you gave about soil last month. When I went to buy some amendment the man at the garden store, ( South Coast Gardening Supply),told me to use gypsum and gro-power 5-3-1. He...

Aspergillosis or Fungus Diseases of the Lung Caused by Earth-born Pathogens in Soil and Compost

Question from Robin: I am an old friend of Nancy Schibanoff and Sharrie Woods. 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...

Soil Mixture

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...

Vegetables, Eucalyptus, Clay Soil, and Fruit Trees

Question from Christian: I live in Del Mar near Fairbanks Ranch, and I’d like to get some of your thoughts on gardening and adding some new organic fruits, herbs, and vegetables to my house to feed us!  My goal is to turn a portion of my property...

Spent Brewery Grains as Compost or Soil Amendment

Question from Ica: My friend is a brewmaker and has tons of the filtered barley grains they use to make beer. Would this be a good soil admendment? Also should it be composted or can it be added directly to the garden? Answer from Pat: Spent brewery grains...

Feeding and soil supplements

Question from Jill: I recently saw you speak in Laguna Beach and I enjoyed every second of it! I grew up on a dairy farm in the central valley and we had our own garden. I left the valley when I went to college and after a few degrees and a few years...

What’s Wrong with Vegetable Garden Soil

Question from Pat: I have had alot of disease in the veg garden this year- the tomatoes plants turned brown before hey set fruit- the corn had aphids and ants. I have been doing 3 crops a year for 10 yrs- what can I do to restore the health of the...

What to Do About Poor Pitiful Garden Soil (Video)

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.

Terr-O-Vite

Question from Trinidad: Where can I purchase this product? Nobody seems to know about it. I live and work in Encinitas, CA. Places I have checked are Grangettos, Home Depot, Hydroscape… Please help. Answer from Pat: Terr-O-Vite is no longer available....

Granulated Sulfur

Question from Robin: Hi. I have a problem and I need some advice. I spread granulated sulfur on the top of heavy clay soil. Hindsight shows me this is not optimum, and I would like your opinion on my options. I want to establish vegetables on the site....