Building Soil

by | Jun 26, 2025 | General, How-to Info

 

A garden’s success starts in the soil. Organic material, mineral content, water and air are the main building blocks in a healthy soil ecosystem. In the right balance these components support proper moisture level and nutrient retention.

For most Sonoma County residents clay-loam is our typical soil. It’s comprised of compacted, fine ground silt particles and is often very dense and somewhat difficult to work with. Mixing in additional organic material is going to create space between the particulate matter, allowing a more workable texture. We love using Paydirt for that. It is loaded with nutrient rich Chicken Manure and Mushroom Compost, and is well loved by all plants. It is important to continue adding in Paydirt to your soil each season, to maintain healthy nutrient levels and proper soil texture.

A great companion for Paydirt is our Eureka Planting Mix. It has Perlite and Gypsum in it, which helps prevent soil compaction. This allows the soil structure to be maintained even after some organic matter is depleted. This encourages an evenly draining soil, and allows air flow in the substrate. We recommend using a 1:1 ratio of Paydirt and Eureka Planting Mix.

 

If you have any questions about things specific to your garden, feel free to stop on in! We are always happy to give some ideas and tips on things that might best suit your situation.

Flowers for Spring and Summer

by | May 31, 2025 | General, How-to Info

It’s the perfect time to plant all sorts of flowering goodies! We’ve got options for cut flower bouquets, lovely bedding flowers, and host plants for pollinators. Below is a general list of some popular sun and shade flowers. We of course have lots more choices, come on by and check out what we’ve got!

Marigold

They will bloom all the way until frost, and are loved by bees. Nice and easy, they also make a great companion with your veggie garden. Certain varieties also make a lovely cut flower.

 

 

Cosmo

Very fast growing, these daisy-like flowers make nice bouquet fillers and are a nice addition to a wildflower garden. Light and airy foliage adds nice textural variance. Easy to grow!

     

Zinnia

Quick growing, pollinator magnet. Bees love it, and butterflies will visit them as well. A favorite for cut flower enthusiasts with its nice long stems. Available in a wide range of colors and sizes.

 

 

Cuphea

One of our personal favorites here at King’s! Bright orange tubular flowers explode on this shrub. Bees can’t stay away from it, and hummingbirds frequent it as well. A must-have for a pollinator bed.

 

 

Salvia

A robust perennial, Salvia is a pollinator MAGNET. Bees go crazy for it, and it will also draw in hummingbirds. A repeat bloomer and perennial, Salvia is a staple for all Spring and Summer gardens. Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, they will fit in anywhere! Water-wise once established.

 

 

 

Lavender

A tried and true perennial flower, Lavender offers a lovely fragrance along with some nice purple blooms. A popular stop for bees, Lavender is a great option for a pollinator garden. A low water option once established.

 

 

 

 

Fuchsia

One of our favorite shade flowers! Available in both trailing and shrub forms, Fuchsia are a necessity for your shady area. Add some smaller ones to pots, or in hanging baskets for non stop cascades of color. Larger ones make awesome specimens in the yard. They will be frequently visited by bees and hummingbirds!

 

 

Begonia

A true classic! Begonias are known for their large, showy blooms sitting atop deep green foliage. Coming in both trailing and upright styles, Begonias look great in any shade pot or basket. They are grown in a range of hues from whites and yellows, to pinks and deep reds. We carry some of the most unique ones, including some upright kinds with HUGE blooms. Come check them out!

 

 

Impatiens

A long-time favorite for shade gardens! Impatiens are low-growing flowers that work great as border plants or fillers in pots and baskets. Additionally, there are some newer Hybrids called “New Guinea” Impatiens. These babies are a bit beefier, and tend to handle a bit more sun. We carry both kinds all season.

 

 

Hydrangea

A great perennial option for the shade. Hydrangea are robust, flowering shrubs that will come back year after year. Available in many different styles, including Mop-Head, Lace Cap, and Paniculata (conical). They bloom for a LONG time, and they also make a lovely dried cut flower. Some varieties of Mop Head can have their color “blued” by adjusting the acidity.

 

 

Coleus

Grown for its bright, vibrant foliage, Coleus is a unique addition to the shady collection. Coleus offer a nice break in texture while still having great pops of color. Tuck them in with some low growing things as an eye catching addition. Small flower spikes will emerge from the tops.

Soil Types

Setting up your flowers with the best soil will ensure you have a great batch of blooms this season. For anything going into a pot, we use Master’s Pride Potting Soil. It is well balanced, and suits the growing needs for all sun and shade plants.

For in-ground or raised bed gardens, we recommend using Paydirt to amend the planting area. If the planting area is especially compacted, or if you need more volume to fluff things up, add in some Eureka Planting Mix. Eureka Planting Mix is also a great soil conditioner that will increase drainage and aeration.

Fertilizing

It is important to feed your flowers regularly. We love using EB Stone Organic Rose and Flower food for all of our blooming plants. Use some at the time of planting, then follow up every 4-6 weeks. For quicker action, you can also use Maxsea All Purpose plant food. This is a liquid fertilizer that is faster absorbing, so it packs a punch. We will use this in junction with EB Stone fertilizer with great success.