Izaak Walton League of America

Gardens won't grow without healthy soil – and testing your soil doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Here are five easy ways to find out whether your plants are getting what they need. Full story

Representative Chellie Pingree, one of the few actual farmers in Congress, has a plan for reducing farms' emissions and increasing their productivity. Full story

For 35 years, the Conservation Reserve Program has rewarded farmers for taking millions of acres of highly erodible, environmentally sensitive cropland out of production – but now, decreasing incentive payments are leaving landowners wondering why they should sign up. Full story

Funding for natural resources and the environment now represents less than 1% of the federal budget, and that share has been falling for more than 40 years. The 2020 budget isn't likely to reverse the decline. Full story

Water, air, and yard waste are all you need to create a rich source of nutrients for your plants. Full story

Farmers and soil health experts asked Congress to implement strategies very similar to what the League has been working towards at the federal and state level. Full story

Natural strategies are a more environmentally-friendly way of fighting disease and pests in the garden – and they often work better too. Full story

Cover your soil for a healthier garden. Full story

Talk about a win-win: Doing less work in the garden can help your soil develop a healthy structure. Full story

Gardening with a diverse mix of plant species builds healthy soil, makes your yard more visually interesting, and reduces maintenance. Full story