Winter’s dream: a happy, healthy yard
I recently moved and have been making a list of yard tasks for next spring.
Of course, I started envisioning the end product before understanding what I have to work with. So I need to start my tasks by submitting a soil sample to the Colorado State University soil testing lab to determine the characteristics of my soil. Then I can plan modifications that will help me achieve my vision of a new, low-maintenance front yard.
The foundation of any landscape is the soil, but a visual inspection of the surface tells gardeners very little about how plants will grow in a certain spot. Soil is important to successful landscapes because roots are heavily influenced by factors such as mineral composition, water holding capacity, drainage, nutrient levels and oxygen availability.
Some soil characteristics can be modified, while others must just be lived with. My goal is to use my understanding of the soil in my yard to guide my plant choices. Rather than change the soil to fit the needs of the plants, I want to choose plants that will thrive in the soil I have.
A soil test provides a baseline for pH, texture, organic matter, soluble salts and levels of several plant nutrients. The CSU soil testing lab performs basic horticulture tests for $31 and provides recommendations based on the crop you plan to grow. For more information, paperwork and shipping instructions, visit soiltestinglab.colostate.edu/.
My vision is to have native grasses and wildflowers in my front yard, which, if I choose wisely, will need limited irrigation and infrequent mowing. I know a little about the history of the yard, but have no idea if the soil is the original fill dirt or has been amended over the years. Many of the plants I want perform best in soil that is lean and well drained, so I’m actually hoping for the fill-dirt scenario. The amount of organic matter and soil nutrient levels will guide my plant choices and help me develop a maintenance plan for future years.
I am particularly interested in the texture of my new soil, which is a measure of the percentage of sand, silt and clay in a soil. Local soils tend to be high in clay, which holds water well, but has small spaces for oxygen. Highly trafficked areas tend to be compacted, which further inhibits water infiltration and slows drainage.
The soil test will provide texture, but not how well the soil drains. I can perform a simple drainage test by digging a hole 1 foot wide and 1 foot deep, filling it with water, and seeing how long it takes to drain. The longer it takes the hole to drain, the poorer the drainage.
As soon as the yard thaws a bit, I’ll collect soil for a lab test. With data in hand, I’ll plan additional soil preparation, choose plants, order seed, and . . . well, you know how a new landscape goes. Maybe by August I can sit on the porch and admire my new yard.
Linda McMulkin is the horticulture coordinator at the Colorado State University Extension office for Pueblo County. For additional information, contact the office or email firstname.lastname@example.org.