Soil testing
Soil tests can usually be obtained through your local extension office . To search for an office in your area , go to the " State and National Partners Map " on the U . S . Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture ( NIFA ) website . In Missouri , the University of Missouri Extension Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory offers nutrient and heavy metal soil tests for gardens and lawns through the Columbia campus and local MU Extension offices .
Asset-based community development
Rather than focus first on a community ' s needs and deficiencies , the asset-based community development approach takes stock of a community ' s capacity for change by identifying the " assets , skills and capacities of residents , citizens associations and local institutions " within a given community ( Kretzmann and McKnight , 1993 ).
Raised-bed gardening
There are a number of advantages to building and using raised beds . According to Christopher J . Starbuck , associate professor with the University of Missouri Division of Plant Sciences , raised garden beds allow for better drainage , are easier to maintain , and can be used on sites with poor soil . Raised-bed gardening may also lead to higher yields and allow for an extended growing season . On the other hand , raised-bed gardens are typically more expensive to build than in-ground gardens because of the cost of materials , compost and soil . Also , where summers are hot , the soil in raised beds may have a tendency to dry out faster . For more information , see MU Extension publication G6985 , Raised- Bed Gardening .
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