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Top Tips For Healthy Soil
In A Thriving Lawn
Or Garden
By ASHLEY HANSON
Acidity
To grow healthy plants, optimize the soil by testing its pH level and nutrient content with a soil testing kit every three to five years, and adjust them for your soil type.
Some plants need more acidic soil, and others like a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Adjusting the pH and nutritional content to meet their needs will boost their health and growth.
Organic Matter
Organic matter improves soil structure, enhancing drainage and aeration in clay soil and keeping nutrients and moisture in sandy soil. It also supports good bacteria.
Enrich your soil by mixing 2 to 4 inches of manure or compost into the top 6 to 8 inches of your soil. Do this three to four weeks before planting to give them time to integrate.
Compacted Soil
Loosening compact soil increases oxygen supply to plant roots, supports the activity of beneficial microbes, and prevents waterlogging by improving soil drainage.
When the soil is dry, use a tiller or garden fork to break up the top 6 to 8 inches of compacted soil. Don't overwork the soil and go deeper, as this can compact it further.
Drainage
With clay or heavy soil, you should improve drainage by adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of sand or pea gravel and working it into the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches.
This creates air pockets that let roots breath and allow water in, while preventing waterlogging and root rot. The soil also warms quicker in spring, extending the growing season.
Mulch
After planting in spring or early summer, spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch evenly over the soil, keeping away from tree, shrub, or plant stems to avoid encouraging rot.
Adding mulch limits moisture evaporation from the soil, reducing the need for watering. Mulch also suppresses weeds, adds nutrients, and helps regulate soil temperature.