I asked this question of someone at the U of M soil testing lab, and they weren't sure of the answer. I wondered if you could answer: In a recent National Wildlife magazine, their Gardening for Wildlife column mentioned the importance of testing vegetable garden soil for heavy metals. I live in a suburb that was developed around 1970 and that was, I believe, farmland prior to being developed. Should I have my soil tested for heavy metals, or is that only for folks in urban or heavily polluted sites? If I should have it tested, what are recommended labs? The person at the soil testing lab gave me a list, but the places she listed (like Pace and EMSL) don't appear to be consumer-focused. Thanks!

Hello,

     Tagawa Gardens referred me to write to you to get my question answered. 

I am in search of Scutch Grass/Quack grass. I realize no wants scutch/quack grass in their lawns as it is considered a weed, I am looking for it for healing/prayer purposes.

I will obviously not planting in lawn, instead in a small container to offer my prayers. I only need a small quantity that I hope to keep it alive and well. Any leads are much appreciated.

Preethi Iyer

https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tTP1Tcwji82NjFg9OJJTyzKzE5VyCjNySkFAFqMB78&q=garike+hullu&oq=gar&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDAgBEC4YJxiABBiKBTIGCAAQRRg5MgwIARAuGCcYgAQYigUyCggCEAAYsQMYgAQyCggDEAAYsQMYgAQyDwgEEC4YQxixAxiABBiKBTIMCAUQABhDGIAEGIoFMgwIBhAAGEMYgAQYigUyDQgHEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQyCggIEC4Y1AIYgATSAQg0MjA4ajFqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

I'm looking for vegetable variety recommendations for the Front Range. Some of the plantalk videos have such information, but not all, and watching them for each veg. species is slow. Is there a single source where I can find suggestions of varieties for various common garden vegetable species? I've been digging near https://planttalk.colostate.edu and related sites, but not finding a set of one or more relevant PDFs.

Hello! I have ~3/4 acre pond created in mid 1900's that is in desperate need of some restoration work. Wood Ducks and Mallards nest here, but due to state's dipping into it during wildfire fighting a few years ago, it went way low then started leaking when it fills. It needs tree removals, brush clearing, some mucking, and new overflow pipe excavated in, and someone knowledgeable about ponds to plan and execute! I'm in Josephine County near Pickett Creek. Do you have suggestions on who or where to find expertise doing this kind of work here in OR? THANKS!

Hi there, I am a fellow newbie MG from Citrus County FL. We are working on creating a plant sale SOP (standard operating procedure) / handbook. I was searching the internet looking for any existing documentation that we could reference as a starting point and found your web site. You seem very organized :). I thought I would reach out to see if you have something that we could leverage? Thanks in advance! Cindy PS - I am a WA native :) I randomly selected a county

When growing cannabis plants are there benefits gained using fulvic acid, in terms of getting a higher quality plant? If not what are the practical uses for it?

Hello, I have a nice Italian Prune Plum tree, the lovely kind that I dry to make prunes for winter. I just don't know how to prune it. I had an apple tree and I was good with that. The plum seems different. Can you teach a class on pruning plum trees? Thanks, Ben Farrell

My tomatoes did not thrive last year, with hot temps and few cool nights. What varieties would you suggest ?

In the spring of 2026, I am planning on planting several different fruit trees on my property. It is located in Gratiot county and below is the soil test that you performed. It is a clay soil with a slight slope. Besides the recommendations provide to add to the soil, what is the best way to prepare the site this year to plant in 2026? I am planning to plant apple, plums, pears, cherry, and peach in the area. Also, do you have any recommendations on the layout of the area? I am looking at planting semi dwarf trees. Thank you for any guidance you can provide. Phosphorus (P) 11 ppm Potassium (K) 113 ppm Magnesium (Mg) 130 ppm Calcium (Ca) 600 ppm CEC 5.6 meq/100 g Soil Type Mineral Soil pH 6 Lime Index 69 Organic Matter 2.6 %