Gardening: Ailing plants best diagnosed in person

Determine such background information on cultural practices as spraying, fertilizing, watering, herbicide use, etc.

What kind of soil is the plant growing (or trying to grow) in? Clay soils are much more difficult than a loam soil to grow plants in.

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

The following workshop will be at the OSU Extension Center, 930 N Portland. It is free and open to the public. For information, call 713-1125.

May 8 — Pond Management Seminar: 9 a.m. to noon. OSU-OKC Farmer's Market building, 400 N Portland. Call to reserve your spot.

Q: What are some of the benefits of adding organic matter to my garden?

A: Adding organic matter to the soil in a garden area can create a yearly seedbed that is more fertile, has better water retention and helps prevent erosion.

Organic matter decomposes to form humus, which is extremely important to plant growth because it promotes a more favorable soil structure.

Humus decreases the loss of valuable minerals from leaching, makes the soil easier to cultivate, increases water-holding capacity and reduces erosion.

Adding organic matter to garden soil benefits the plant-growing environment in several ways.

It provides some of the nitrogen needed by plants.

It furnishes a small quantity of all elements essential for plant growth.

It releases nutrients already in the soil by turning them into soluble compounds that can be absorbed by the roots of the plants.

It makes heavy soil lighter, more crumbly and friable. This is especially important in areas where soil is high in clay.

It holds light soil particles together and helps anchor them against erosion. This increases the water-holding capacity of soil in sandy areas.

Ray Ridlen is an agriculture/horticulture educator for the Oklahoma County Extension Service. His column addresses frequently asked horticulture questions. For more information, call 713-1125.