Question
Hi,
we have noticed that in a section of our garden the soil has turned a light beige/grey color and are worried that it is somehow rotten or diseased.  we have a layer of mulch over the soil, and it isn't discolored, and the very top of the soil isn't either, it starts about 1/2 inch down.  The soil gets a medium/high amount of sunlight, and we haven't made any big changes to the garden lately.  Any suggestions?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Lara,  This sounds like an area of compacted soil that isn't draining well.  I'd remove the mulch, add about 2 inches of leafmold, finely ground pine bark or coarse compost and till it into to the top 6 inches of your soil.
Then check your pH and adjust it to 5.5 to 6.5, depending on what you intend to grow there.  Then sow annual ryegrass on the area and see if it comes up and grows.  If the grass seems to be doing fine after a couple of weeks, till it under and replace the mulch.  If it doesn't grow well, have your soil tested for nutrients, follow the test's recomendations, then sow the ryegrass again. If it still doesn't grow, write me back and we'll explore other options.
Jim