Improve soil health

Improving the health of your soil is essential for successful gardening. Healthy soil provides the necessary nutrients, water retention, and structure for plants to thrive.

So how do we do this? Here are our tips to make your soil healthier:

Test Your Soil

Start by getting your soil tested to understand its pH and nutrient levels. You can use a soil testing kit (we have them in stock!) If your soil’s pH is too high or too low for your desired plants, consider adjusting it by adding lime (to raise pH) or sulphur (to lower pH) following soil test recommendations.

Feed it!

Add compost to your soil to increase its organic matter content. Compost improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. You can always make your own compost as well.

You can also use organic mulch. You can create this from fallen leaves and raw veg peelings. It’s great for the environment due to the reduction in waste as well as using the seasonal leaf fall. It will protect it from erosion, regulate temperature, and improve moisture retention.

Alternatively, choose organic or slow-release fertilizers that promote soil health. These options release nutrients gradually and encourage microbial activity.

Rotate Crops

If you’re growing vegetables or other annual plants, crop rotation can help prevent the buildup of diseases and pests associated with specific plant families.

Promote Biodiversity

Encourage a diverse ecosystem in your garden or landscape to support beneficial insects, worms, and other soil organisms that contribute to soil health.

Avoid Using Harmful Chemicals

Limit or eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides that can harm beneficial organisms and disrupt the soil’s natural balance.

It’s all about learning from experience! Gardening and soil health are continuous learning experiences. Keep notes to see how your soil responds to different practices.

By following these practices and adapting them to your specific garden you can improve the health of your soil, leading to healthier, more productive plants.