Soils: The Foundations of Life

Discover landscape design ideas using aggregate and crushed rock for pathways, borders, and dry creek beds that offer durability and low maintenance.

Learn what certified playground chips are, how ASTM safety standards protect against injuries, and why schools and parks rely on them for safe play areas.

Prepare your landscape for winter with bark, aggregates, and accessories that protect plants, improve drainage, and maintain healthy soil all season long.

Learn how to keep your San Diego construction site clean and compliant with the right dumpster and roll-off services for safe, efficient project management.

Learn how different types of mulch — organic, colored, shredded, and playground chips — help control weeds, retain moisture, and improve your landscape’s health.

Choose the right soil for San Diego landscapes with North County Supply. Clean, custom blends and expert advice for gardens, turf, and large-scale projects.

Crushed rock is a durable, low-maintenance material widely used in San Diego landscapes for pathways, garden beds, driveways, and decorative features. While it requires less upkeep than many other materials, regular maintenance ensures that it stays clean, functional, and visually appealing. In this blog post, we’ll share practical tips for maintaining your crushed rock landscape and how to prevent or fix common issues like weed growth and erosion. Why Crushed Rock Needs Maintenance Although crushed rock does not decompose or require watering, it is still exposed to the elements. Over time, weeds can creep in, debris can accumulate, and loose rock can shift or settle. Routine care helps protect your investment and keeps your landscape looking polished. Tips for Keeping Crushed Rock Areas Clean and Attractive 1. Rake Regularly Use a hard-toothed rake to smooth out uneven areas, redistribute rock that may have shifted, and remove surface debris. Raking once every few weeks helps maintain a clean, even appearance. 2. Remove Debris and Organic Material Leaves, twigs, and other debris can build up and create a breeding ground for weeds. Explicit organic material regularly, especially during the fall or after storms, to keep the area tidy and reduce soil buildup. 3. Top Off Low Spots Over time, some rock may migrate or settle. Periodically inspect the area and add fresh crushed rock to maintain consistent depth and appearance. This also helps with drainage and weed suppression. 4. Power Wash or Hose Down When Needed For decorative rock used in high-visibility areas, hosing off dust and dirt can restore the color and freshness of the stone. Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle or a light-pressure power washer. Preventing and Managing Weed Growth Weeds are the most common issue in crushed rock landscapes. They can spoil the clean look of your yard and compete with nearby plants for nutrients and water. 1. Install a Weed Barrier Fabric When laying crushed rock, always start with a high-quality landscape fabric underneath. This creates a physical barrier that blocks weed roots from penetrating while still allowing water to drain through. 2. Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide Use a pre-emergent weed control product in early spring to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for use around ornamental plants if your rock is near garden beds. 3. Spot-Treat or Pull Weeds Promptly Occasional weeds may still appear, especially around the edges or in disturbed areas. Pull them by hand or treat with a targeted herbicide before they spread. Removing them early prevents seed dispersal and saves time later. 4. Maintain Proper Rock Depth A layer of crushed rock that is at least 2 to 3 inches deep provides better weed suppression. If the layer is too thin, light can reach the soil, encouraging weed growth. Preventing and Addressing Erosion Crushed rock can shift or wash away in areas with heavy rainfall or on sloped surfaces. Taking preventive measures will preserve the integrity of your design. 1. Edge the Area with Borders Use edging materials such as metal, wood, concrete, or stone to contain the rock and prevent it from spreading into unwanted areas. Edging also gives pathways and beds a finished, professional look. 2. Compact and Level the Base Before installing crushed rock, ensure the base soil is compacted and level. For driveways or sloped pathways, consider using a mix of crushed rock and fines to create a more stable surface. 3. Add Retaining Features for Slopes In sloped areas, install low retaining walls or terracing to hold rock in place and reduce downhill movement. You can also use jute netting or grid mats beneath the rock for extra stability. 4. Improve Drainage Where Needed If water frequently washes away rock, install drainage channels or dry creek beds to redirect the flow. Proper drainage keeps the rock in place and protects against pooling or flooding. Conclusion Maintaining a crushed rock landscape is relatively simple, but consistent attention is essential to ensure your outdoor space remains clean, attractive, and functional. With a few proactive steps, you can prevent weed growth, minimize erosion, and keep your landscape looking great year-round. At North County Supply, we offer high-quality crushed rock, weed barriers, and expert advice to help you build and maintain your ideal landscape. Stop by or contact us today to learn more about materials and maintenance tips for your next project.

Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Yet many gardeners skip one of the most essential steps before planting: testing their soil. Soil testing gives you critical information about nutrient levels, pH balance, and overall soil health, helping you make informed decisions that lead to more vigorous plants and better yields. In this blog post, we’ll explain why soil testing is important, how to test your soil at home or professionally, and how to interpret your soil test results. Why Soil Testing Matters Whether you're planting vegetables, flowers, or native landscaping, your soil's composition directly affects plant health. A soil test helps answer essential questions: Does your soil have enough nutrients to support healthy growth? Is the pH level appropriate for the plants you want to grow? Are there any nutrient excesses that could be harmful? Without testing, you're left guessing. You might over-fertilize, underfeed, or plant in unsuitable conditions without even realizing it. Soil testing helps you avoid these common mistakes, saves money on unnecessary products, and promotes environmentally responsible gardening. How to Test Soil at Home or Professionally At-Home Soil Testing Kits DIY soil testing kits are available at garden centers and hardware stores. They provide basic information about pH and nutrient levels like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Steps to use a home soil test kit: Collect soil samples from several spots in your garden, digging 4 to 6 inches deep. Mix the samples together in a clean container to get an average representation of your garden soil. Follow the test kit instructions , typically involving mixing soil with a solution and comparing the color to a chart. Record your results and compare them with your plant’s nutrient and pH requirements. These tests are affordable and provide quick insights, but they may lack the accuracy and depth of professional testing. Professional Soil Testing For more comprehensive results, consider sending your soil to a professional lab. This is especially helpful if you're establishing a new garden, planting specialty crops, or troubleshooting poor plant performance. How to get your soil professionally tested: Contact a local cooperative extension, university lab, or private soil lab. Use a clean tool to collect multiple samples from your garden. Let the soil air dry and send the sample according to the lab's instructions. Most labs provide a detailed report within one to two weeks, often with recommendations based on your intended plant types. Professional testing evaluates additional elements, such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and micronutrients, providing a more comprehensive picture of your soil's health. Interpreting Soil Test Results Once you receive your soil test results, it’s time to put them to use. Most test reports include the following: pH Level The pH scale runs from 0 to 14. Most garden plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral range (6.0 to 7.0). If the pH is too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic), plants may not absorb nutrients efficiently. Low pH (acidic): Add lime to raise pH. High pH (alkaline): Add sulfur or organic matter to lower pH. Macronutrients Nitrogen (N): Essential for leafy growth. Deficiencies lead to yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Phosphorus (P): Supports root development and flowering. Low levels reduce bloom production. Potassium (K): Aids in overall plant health, drought resistance, and disease prevention.  A soil test will indicate whether these are low, adequate, or excessive. Based on the results, you can choose the right type and amount of fertilizer or soil amendment. Micronutrients Professional tests may include levels of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and boron. While needed in smaller quantities, these elements are still essential for plant health. Organic Matter and Texture Some tests will also assess the percentage of organic matter and soil texture (comprising sand, silt, and clay). This helps determine how well your soil holds moisture and nutrients. Final Thoughts Soil testing is a simple yet powerful step in building a healthy, productive garden. Whether you're growing vegetables, ornamentals, or drought-tolerant landscapes in San Diego, understanding your soil's condition will guide you toward better choices and better results. At North County Supply , we offer quality soil amendments, compost, and mulch to help you act on your test results and build better soil. Need help interpreting your soil report? Our team is happy to point you in the right direction. Contact us or stop by today to learn more.

Healthy soil is the foundation of a vibrant and productive garden. Whether you're growing vegetables, flowers, or drought-tolerant plants, improving your soil quality can make all the difference in plant health, resilience, and overall garden success. In this blog post, we’ll explore proven methods to boost soil fertility, the benefits of organic amendments and composting, and tips for maintaining healthy soil structure in your San Diego landscape. Why Soil Quality Matters Soil does more than hold up your plants—it provides them with essential nutrients, water, oxygen, and a thriving ecosystem of beneficial organisms. Poor-quality soil can lead to weak growth, nutrient deficiencies, pest problems, and wasted time and money. But with the right techniques, you can turn tired, compacted, or nutrient-poor soil into a thriving garden bed. 1. Methods to Improve Soil Fertility Improving soil fertility means increasing the nutrient content available to plants and enhancing the soil's ability to hold moisture and support microbial life. Here are some effective ways to do just that: Add Organic Matter Incorporating organic matter is one of the best ways to boost soil fertility. Organic materials, such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold, break down slowly and release nutrients over time. Tip: Mix 2–4 inches of organic matter into the top 6–8 inches of soil before planting. Repeat this process once or twice a year to maintain fertility. Rotate Crops If you grow vegetables or annuals, rotating crops each season can help prevent nutrient depletion and reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases. Example: Avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot each year. Instead, rotate with legumes like beans or peas, which add nitrogen to the soil. Use Cover Crops (Green Manure) Cover crops like clover, vetch, or rye are grown specifically to improve soil health. They help fix nitrogen, prevent erosion, and add organic material when tilled back into the soil. Best Time: Plant cover crops during the off-season (fall or winter in San Diego) and till before spring planting. 2. Benefits of Organic Amendments and Composting Organic amendments and compost provide a slow, steady release of nutrients, improve soil structure, and promote a healthy soil ecosystem. Here’s why they’re so valuable: Compost Compost is decomposed organic matter that enriches soil with essential nutrients and beneficial microbes. It improves the texture of both clay and sandy soils, making it easier for plant roots to grow. Benefits: Adds nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Improves soil aeration and water retention. Encourages earthworm activity and beneficial microbes. Aged Manure Properly aged (or composted) animal manure is a powerful soil amendment that is rich in nutrients and organic material. Caution: Always use well-aged manure to avoid burning plants and introducing pathogens. Avoid using pet waste or fresh manure. Mulch as an Amendment Organic mulches like wood chips and straw slowly break down and contribute to soil health. Over time, they act as a natural compost layer while controlling weeds and conserving moisture. Tip: Top-dress beds with 2–3 inches of mulch and allow it to naturally integrate into the soil. 3. Tips for Maintaining Healthy Soil Structure Good soil structure allows air and water to flow freely while supporting root development. Poor structure—often caused by compaction or overworking the soil—can lead to drainage problems and root stress. Avoid Over-Tilling Excessive tilling breaks up soil aggregates and harms beneficial organisms. Use tilling sparingly and only when necessary. Alternative: Consider no-till or low-till gardening methods that maintain soil structure and reduce disturbance. Prevent Soil Compaction Walking on garden beds can compress the soil, limiting root growth and water absorption. Solution: Create designated pathways and use stepping stones to avoid walking directly in growing areas. Keep Soil Covered Bare soil is vulnerable to erosion, drying out, and weed invasion. Cover it with mulch, plants, or a living ground cover to protect and nourish the soil. Tip: In between planting seasons, use a layer of mulch or a cover crop to protect soil health. Conclusion Healthy soil is the key to a thriving, low-maintenance garden. By incorporating organic matter, rotating crops, and using compost and mulch, you’ll improve soil fertility and structure naturally. Whether you’re starting a new garden or revitalizing an existing one, these soil-improving techniques will create a strong foundation for years of beautiful growth.  At North County Supply , we offer high-quality soil amendments, compost, and mulch to help San Diego gardeners build and maintain healthy soil. Stop by or give us a call to learn more about the best products for your garden!