Recently a Planting to Grow subscriber wrote to me with the following question:
Question: We are getting ready to do some planting around the house and want to ensure that our soil aids the growth of the new plants. What can we do to improve our existing soil?
Answer: Regardless what kind of soil you have, the ingredient for a more healthy soil is the same: organic matter. In our area the two extreme soil types are clay and sand. Organic matter works differently in each soil to achieve the intended r
esult. This is the solution for a healthy soil .
Clay based soil tends to be firm and sticky. Organic matter helps to loosen the tightly bonded clay, breaking down the soil into a less cohesive constitution. This allows water and nutrients to access the plant root system more readily.
Sandy soil, on the other hand, is more dry and lacks cohesion. Organic matter provides better retaining capacities for moisture and fertilizer.
I like to use brand name organic soil conditioners. These come in bags and are sold at the outdoor department in most home stores. Another option is to purchase finely ground up pine bark from your local garden center.
esult. This is the solution for a healthy soil .
Clay based soil tends to be firm and sticky. Organic matter helps to loosen the tightly bonded clay, breaking down the soil into a less cohesive constitution. This allows water and nutrients to access the plant root system more readily.
Sandy soil, on the other hand, is more dry and lacks cohesion. Organic matter provides better retaining capacities for moisture and fertilizer.
I like to use brand name organic soil conditioners. These come in bags and are sold at the outdoor department in most home stores. Another option is to purchase finely ground up pine bark from your local garden center.