Improving Soil Health

Healthy plants rely on many factors including light, water, temperature and nutrients. Today I will be sharing some information about soil health and the simple ways gardeners can improve the soil that they are working with to give plants the best chance for success.

What is soil?

Soil is comprised of minerals, air, water and organic matter. Sand, silt and clay are the major minerals that determine the texture of your soil. Sand, silt and clay are broken down into 12 “textural classes,” as determined by the USDA, and are not alterable. For example, you may have clay soil, like I do here in the mid-Atlantic. But, don’t fret, because the structure of your soil can be amended, using organic matter (AKA compost or humus), to make your soil a more friendly plants for your plants to grow.

Improving your soil will help you grow beautiful vegetables and flowers.

How do I know what my soil health is?

One task I am embarrassed to admit I have never done is soil testing. Very important, gardeners! If your soil isn’t well balanced with minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, your plants and lawn will struggle and you will get frustrated. In simple terms, you send dirt samples from around your garden to a lab. The results show pH, calcium, phosphate, potassium and magnesium levels and give recommendations on what minerals to add to your soil to improve it. The University of Maryland Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center has a list of labs where you can send your samples and a video on how to collect soil for testing. Or you can contact your local extension for more information about getting your soil tested.

How can I improve my soil?

Adding compost, which is also referred to as organic matter or humus, to your soil has many positive effects:

1.       Improves physical condition

2.       Increases water filtration

3.       Improves soil tilth (physical condition of soil, especially in relation to its suitability for planting or growing a crop, including the stability of aggregated soil particles, moisture content, degree of aeration, rate of water infiltration and drainage.)

4.       Decreases erosion

5.       Supplies nutrients

Read about making compost in a small, urban backyard.

Also, if you decide to do soil testing, the lab results will include recommendations for improving the soil using commercial fertilizers.

Garden Planning Series

You can read Part 1 here where I explain all of the places  I find my garden inspiration. 

Read Part 2 here where I help you determine the sunny and shady areas of your urban garden and how to make the best of those conditions.