Improving Garden Soil: The Gardener’s Secret To Success
Having good soil is important to grow healthy garden plants. One of the things that you need to check is the nutrient content of the soil. If your backyard doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, you can’t make use of it as a garden. However, you can always find ways to make it usable. Before you start planting seeds, you must think of ways of improving garden soil for better plant growth.
Waste as Soil Amendment
Kitchen waste and yard waste can be food for the soil. Waste is considered an organic matter that could turn bad soil into a better one, a soil fit for planting. There is no need for the waste to remain a waste. Turn it into something useful. Your kitchen waste, as well as your yard waste, can be of help in improving garden soil.
The waste you mix to the soil provides nitrogen, which is necessary for plant growth. It also releases essential nutrients that are absorbed by the roots. So, turn waste into something beneficial.
Manure as Garden Soil Enhancement
Manure supplies important soil nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It warms the soil that leads to lowering down the acid level, making it fit for planting. The nutrient content varies by animals and what they eat. But all serve as a good amendment in improving garden soil.
There are lots of benefits that you can expect from animal manures. They can separate solid particles in clay soil. It also improves drainage and holds more water. Some gardener makes use of the raw manure and mixes them directly to their garden soil. Though raw manure contains a high level of beneficial nutrients, it also contains a high amount of ammonia that prevent germination. Ammonia can also cause the tender roots of new pants to burn. So, raw manure is not advisable for developing seedlings and germination. Dried manure is then the next option. You can place raw manure under the heat of the sun. Then once they are all dried out, they are ready to be mixed to garden soil. However, if you are dealing with full-grown plants, you can take advantage of the nutrients it has.
Make Your Compost
Another way to improve garden soil is by composting. Composts are made up of dried leaves or shredded twigs or decaying material. The compost is beneficial. It can condition and fertilize the soil and also serves as natural pesticides.
For beginners, you can make use of decaying fruits skin or banana peel. Do not compost meat or dairy products, as it will give odor to the soil and invite pests. When you make compost materials, start by piling materials on bare earth. Then lay them a few inches deep. Add it in layer alternating dry and wet materials. Keep compost moist by spraying water to it. You know it is ready to use when it looks and smells like rich and dark earth. It should not smell like rotten vegetables.
Top with Mulch
Mulching is one of the common methods of improving garden soil. It is composed of decaying leaves or barks. This method usually applies to combat weeds. There are two kinds of mulch, organic and inorganic. Organic mulch is made from decaying materials such as leaves, grass clippings, wood chips, or shredded bark. These materials help retain moisture that contributes to healthy plant growth. Inorganic mulch is those that include black plastic and geotextiles, which are usually used as landscaping fabric.
To effectively mulch the soil, you must lay them on the weeded soil. Then lay down thick enough layer to prevent new weeds from coming out. It needs four to six inches of mulch to discourage weeds from growing. You can use this double-munching technique to prevent the weeds from the explosion. When you have laid down the mulch, you can set the plants in place. Make sure to water them well.
Add Some Worms
You probably heard about the saying that when the soil has worms, then you have the best soil. Not everyone likes worms. But believe me when I say that earthworms you used to hate are the ones you will finally love. Earthworms are the best farm help. They are nature's best gardeners. Plus, they increase the amount of air and water that gets into the soil. They are responsible for breaking down the organic matter and turn it into useful fertilizer.
When you have worms in your soil, they improve the nutrients content.
Conclusion
Using different organic products is the best way of improving garden soil. You must include this method in all your gardening needs. The good news is, even when you have limited space or even in urban gardening, enhancing your soil is necessary.
The use of organic materials for your soil is safer compared to when you use synthetic ones. It will only harm your crops, but also not eco-friendly. You don’t need to use harsh chemicals to keep your plants grow healthy because it also serves as a fertilizer. So, if you are starting to create your garden and want to enhance its soil, then you should apply the method mentioned above. Get more tips on garden soils.
