While most gardeners aren't blessed with ideal soil to start with, it is possible to improve almost any site. This guide provides clear and practical information on making compost, taking soil samples, all-organic methods of feeding plants, dealing with poor drainage, choosing and using mulches effectively, and more.
Barbara Ellis, a former gardening editor at Rodale Press and the publications director of the American Horticultural Society, is the author of many gardening books, including THE RODALE ALL-NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ORGANIC GARDENING and THE BURPEE COMPLETE GARDENER as well as several TAYLOR'S WEEKEND GARDENING GUIDES. She resides in Alburtis, Pennsylvania.
Nancy J. Ondra owns a small specialty nursury in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. She is the editor of many Rodale gardening books and the author of three Taylor's Weekend Guides: Soil and Composting, Propagation, and Pests and Diseases. She resides in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania.