S19: E17: Can I Save My Horrible Garden Soil? My Conversation with a Soil Scientist
After the worst garden season I’ve ever had, I had the pleasure of chatting with soil scientist Dr. Caitlin Youngquist on my podcast to help me figure out what was actually going on beneath the surface. We dig into my soil test results, tips for adding organic matter to the soil, and whether no-dig or tilling makes sense in a struggling garden. We also talk about soil testing, possible herbicide contamination, and the most common garden soil struggles. If your garden is struggling and you’re not sure what to add—or what to stop adding—this episode will help you think about your soil much more clearly. Podcast Episode Highlights: Common categories of garden struggles Looking at Jill's garden soil test results Thinking about salts in the soil Talking about phosphorous, nitrogen, etc. Tips for adding organic matter to the soil No-dig method, tilling, etc. and how might change things A closer look at compost Discussing soil tests Talking about herbicides and soil contamination issues Final thoughts Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU –> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout. Dr. Caitlin Youngquist offers a membership based community for Wyoming homesteaders on Patreon. In it, you can dive into topics just like this, with monthly live learning sessions, groups forums, and conversations with experts from around the state. Check out the free resources there that she posted, and consider joining the fall cohort. They kick off with their first live event for the fall cohort on October 12th. Most of what they discuss is relevant for anyone homesteading in the mountain west - not only Wyoming. Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/DrCaitlin For those looking for soil testing help, please visit Caitlin Youngquist's site here: https://www.dirtworkswyo.com/category/services. For more information about biochar, wool pellets, alkali soils, and soil testing, please visit: https://www.dirtworkswyo.com/blog She also share videos about soil and compost on YouTube (@DirtWorksWyoming), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dirtworkswyo/), and TikTok (@dr_caitlin) Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Soil Health: Ancient Grains: Your New Best Friend in the Kitchen (previous podcast episode with Dr. Caitlin Youngquist) The Worst Garden of My Entire Life (blog article with image of Jill's current soil test and more details on her current garden struggles) Data Centers & Dead Soil: What Are We Willing to Sacrifice for Progress? (podcast episode) How to Feed Your Soil a Whole Food Diet (podcast episode) How Fall in Love with Your Soil (podcast episode) OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/ Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!