Healthy Soil. Healthy Food. Healthier Communities.

Soil is a living system, not just something that holds plants up.

Roots, organisms and organic matter help cycle nutrients, let water soak in and hold soil in place. Healthy soil can support productive plants, reduce erosion and strengthen the resilience of gardens, farms and communities.

Explore what is mapped. Assess what is there today.

A soil survey describes mapped soil types and land characteristics. A current assessment or laboratory test answers different questions about your own soil. Neither replaces the other.

Testing services vary. Confirm sample collection, nutrients, soil health indicators and any contaminant tests with the laboratory before you send a sample.

Know the history of your growing space.

Older urban yards, former industrial or commercial sites, and land with possible contamination deserve extra care. Review site history and seek appropriate testing before growing food directly in that soil. The EPA resource below explains lead-related precautions.

A routine fertility test may not test for lead or other contaminants. Ask specifically what is included; suitable precautions depend on the site and test results.

Soil → Climate → Water → Growing conditions → Appropriate practices

Sunlight, water access, seasonal temperatures and the land itself shape what can grow. A hardiness zone describes typical winter cold—not a planting plan or a guarantee. Use national guidance as a starting point, then seek advice suited to your site.

State and county connections are in development. No localized pathway is available yet.

Start with principles. Choose practices that fit your place.

Not every practice fits every garden or farm. Animals, amendments and disturbance decisions require appropriate context, safety and management.

A few herbs, vegetables or a fruit plant can be a meaningful beginning.

A patio container, raised bed, backyard plot, community garden or small acreage all offer different possibilities. Match plants and growing methods to space, light, water and safe soil. Farm and land connections remain available in the farm view.

A whole-land perspective for farmers and land managers.

Explore cover crops (plants grown to protect and support soil), less tillage or no-till where appropriate, crop rotation, diversity, planned grazing and water stewardship. Agroforestry combines trees with crops or livestock; silvopasture combines trees, pasture and grazing animals. Conservation planning helps choose practices suited to the land. These are learning connections, not site-specific recommendations.

What grows, what returns and what lives alongside it are connected.

Composting, water conservation, pollinator habitat, living roots, diverse plants and trees or perennials can support a wider living system. Urban and community growing belong in that conversation, too.

Make the most of what you grow.

Plan for harvesting, safe preservation and sharing. For home food preservation, follow the research-based instructions at the National Center for Home Food Preservation—not improvised canning methods. Farm users can explore harvesting and processing connections.

You do not have to grow it all yourself.

Markets, farm stands, community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm shares and other food connections can bring you closer to the people growing your food. Availability varies by county. A category connection does not verify organic or regenerative practices, a particular service, or an endorsement.

Listen to people, ideas and experiences. Keep inspiration distinct from technical guidance.

These four resources are Stories & Inspiration—not technical evidence, agronomic prescriptions or endorsements of every claim.

Good questions are a good place to begin.

Cooperative Extension, a university-based education and local advice network, can connect learning with expertise. Farmers and land managers can also explore U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) service centers, beginning-farmer information and conservation programs. Confirm services, eligibility and current program details directly with the organization.