Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch

Healthy plants start with healthy soil

Peggy Singlemann and Andrew Freiden talk about installing ponds to catch excess runoff from a roof.
VPM
/
VPM
High volume rainfall events are becoming more common. Keeping water on site using ponds and rain gardens helps prevent erosion and water quality issues in streams and rivers.

Peggy Singlemann visits meteorologist Andrew Freiden to talk about his work to incorporate native plants, reduce runoff, and build better soil in his lawn and garden.

Shana Williams travels to Virginia State University in Petersburg to meet Derrick Gooden and learn about biochar, an activated charcoal amendment that can improve soil health and structure while sequestering carbon underground.

Robyn Puffenbarger shares tips for maintaining soil in raised beds. Amyrose Foll explains how to use cardboard to suppress weeds in the garden.

Moist, dark garden soil is dug out of the ground.
VPM
/
VPM
Keeping garden soil covered in mulch helps retain moisture and adds to the microbial life in the garden.

Related Stories