In honor of Earth Day, let’s talk dirt. There’s an old gardening adage that says that the brown stuff on the ground in your garden is called soil; when it gets on your clothes, it’s called dirt. But it’s all earth, isn’t it? And unfortunately not everyone’s little piece of earth is great garden soil. However for folks who can turn a little seed into a mighty oak, turning bad soil into great soil isn’t such a challenge. With a little ongoing attention, the earth in your garden will make things a whole lot greener.

• Garden Soil: Why it Matters - Making it Great
• Amending Your Garden Soil - Making Good Soil out of Bad
• The Importance of Organic Matter
• What is soil pH and what does it mean to the gardener?
• How Much Mulch or Soil Amendment Will You Need?

Photo: © Marie Iannotti (2008) licensed to About.com, Inc.