Here are nine steps for better gardening:

Step 1 - Soil test

Getting a handle on basic soil fertility is fundamental.

A Penn State soil test will provide information about soil pH as well as the levels of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

These four elements are most likely to be lacking in typical Pennsylvania soils.

pH affects the uptake of these nutrients and influences soil biology.

You can purchase a soil test kit for $10 at your local Extension Office.

Step 2 - Build soil organic matter levels.

Organic matter is a soil textural cure-all.

Organic matter creates large pore spaces that improve soil aeration which is good for root growth.

Organic matter also increases beneficial biological activity, adds essential nutrients and improves “workability” or tilth of the soil.

Manure and compost are the most common ways to add organic matter.

Step 3 - Study the requirements of the crops you grow.

Each species we grow has a unique set of cultural requirements: cold hardiness, heat tolerance, spacing requirements, ideal planting date, optimum harvest time, etc.

Seed packets provide the basics.

Step 4 - Study the lives of garden pests.

You are not the only one interested in those tomatoes, squash, and first strawberry; you will share your production with them.

Get to know the insects, diseases, weeds, and mammals that are sure to take a bite out of your garden.

Learn which ones are most likely to be the biggest problem and plan strategies to manage them.

Choose insect and disease-resistant varieties.

Step 5 - Mulch, mulch, mulch

Organic and synthetic mulch do wonders for gardens.

They conserve moisture, control weeds, moderate soil temperatures and improve soil quality.

Straw, tree leaves, wood chips and many other organic mulches have great uses in the garden.

Plastic mulches are underused by home gardeners.

Heat-loving crops such as tomatoes, eggplant and peppers as well as the vine crops love the heat.

Bio-degradable and paper mulches are also available if that suits you better.

Step 6 - Plan and record your garden activities.

What was that great bean variety that you grew last year?

There were three kinds of garlic, which was which?

Are the Japanese beetles going to arrive when you are on vacation?

A garden journal or notebook provides useful information and is fun off-season reading.

Step 7 - Try something new each year.

How about those floating row covers?

Can you really grow onions from seed?

Are figs hardy around here?

There is only one way to find out. Give it a try.

Over time your experiences become rich garden knowledge.

Step 8 - Start composting.

Composting is a simple way to recycle garden and kitchen refuse.

It doesn’t need to be elaborate.

A simple “heap” of decomposing stuff does the trick.

Step 9 - Read and study a wide range of garden folklore and science-based reports.

We garden for pleasure so it’s a great way to explore the unknown, experiment, and learn.

Garden magazines, blogs and associations of specialists are easy to find.

Subscribe, visit and learn.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613