The Driftwood Garden Club’s October 2024 educational meeting was presented by Gretel Anspach, a Lifetime Master Gardener and Member of the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association. Gretel, a repeat presenter for DGC, is a retired engineer who knows the science of good soil.
Members learned the importance of soil that holds the right amount of water and has the right available nutrients. We learned plants like ‘fluffy’ soil and the steps to remediate soil compaction.
Our lecture included some ‘mulch math’ to determine the quantity of material to cover the square footage in compost. And we also learned about the Nitrogen – Phosphorus – Potassium (always listed in that order) ratio to amend soil.
Most of all, Ms. Anspach recommends soil testing in several areas of your yard to accurately determine the soil composition. UMass Extension Testing Laboratory forms and instructions are available online at
https://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory/ordering-information-forms
We were reminded to leave plant and leaf matter in the garden beds to decompose over the winter for organic nutrients to enhance our soil. Your plants will thank you in the spring!
Driftwood Garden Club 