Loamy soil—the perfect balance of clay, sand, and silt. This is the desired soil you want to achieve to give your plants the best start. It’s also the most suitable foundation you can create to keep your plants healthy and stimulate growth over time. Why? Because it’s fertile, rich in nutrients, holds moisture but drains well, and has proper air circulation. So how can you achieve this? With just three easy steps, you can improve your soil’s condition.
First, when preparing your garden beds, clear out any rocks or debris to remove any obstructions that will prevent plant roots from spreading. Second, loosen the soil, digging at least 8-12 inches to allow aeration and the roots to grow deep.
Third, add quality amendments to the soil, which consists of organic and inorganic matter, to improve its condition. Various materials are needed to improve the soil’s texture, nutrient quality, drainage, water and nutrient retention, and/or pH level. But be aware that it’s important to have a soil test to be sure which amendments are required.
Below is a breakdown of what’s included in each type of soil amendment.
Organic Matter
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Organic matter is mostly composted items. Compost is a mixture of organic material that has decomposed to create a natural fertilizer. It can include dead plants, manure, food, grass clippings, newspaper, coffee grounds, leaves, straw, bark, wood chips, and sawdust. Compost can help lower soil pH and is nutrient-rich.
However, most of these items must be composted because adding them directly to plants would not have the same benefit or could kill them. Although, some organic materials are safe to apply on plants rather than in compost. These items include:
Leaf Mulch & Leaf Mold
are created when fallen leaves from deciduous trees decompose in a pile. The leaves are turned a few times over fall and winter as they decompose. They are put directly in the garden to aid in water retention, increase soil nutrients, and add structure to the soil. Using this method also helps with the problem of what to do with fallen leaves.
Grass, Shrub, and Tree Trimmings
are used in compost. But can also be worked directly into the soil to decompose over several months.
Mulch & Bark
are used as a top layer for soil to help stimulate growth.
Organic matter is the most holistic option for your plants. In addition to the overall benefits of amendments listed earlier, this natural fertilizer also:
- loosens tight soils to improve air circulation
- helps release minerals
- makes soil easier to dig,
- acts as a slow-release fertilizer
- supplies food to organisms, like earthworms and insects, that convert organic matter into nutrients and help aerate.
Inorganic Matter
Inorganic matter is also beneficial and needed at times. It includes materials like Gypsum for calcium, perlite to increase porousness, lime, sulfur, wood ash, and vermiculite for water retention.
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