Organic Soil Amendments

As we edge toward spring, it is a good time to think about organic soil amendments. It takes a bit of time to really build the quality and structure of your soil, but it is one of the foundational elements of gardening.

 If you don't have healthy, well-draining soil, your poor plants will not have the nutrients they need to produce great veggies and fruit. In addition to the type and amount of nutrients, the soil texture and pH balance will affect the plants' ability to absorb available nutrition.

Creating a balance between sand, clay and organic matter is the first step. If your soil is too sandy, water and nutrients will drain through immediately, leaving your poor plant dying of thirst and starvation. On the other hand, if you have too much clay in your soil, water will drain very slowly, drowning the plant.

The great news is the the remedy for both of these problems is compost. Adding compost improves soil structure, adds macro and micro nutrients and boosts microbial activity. And, compost is readily available by the bag or truckload if you don't have your own compost pile.

To determine the pH and nutrient level of your soil, you can take a sample to your local county extension for testing. But,I have to be honest, I am a lazy gardener and just can't get motivated to collect it and send it in. I just make sure that my soil is well amended and use organic fertilizers...can't say that I have ever had a problem.

I also like to add micorrhizal fungi to the soil. These little guys help boost the ability of the root system to absorb nutrients. If you turn your soil, particularly with a tiller, it can negatively impact micorrhizal colonization. Adding a bit in the spring will help ensure healthy plants and higher yields.

What do you do to amend your soil? Would love to hear your tips!

Comments

[TC]

You can buy home soil test kits at most local garden centers. I've not used them, but haven't heard any bad reports. Don't let not having compost deter you from starting your own "black gold" factory. Here's my easy instructions: Pile it up.

Great advice here Jean Ann. Plain and simple.

[LisaAlso]

I garden in raised beds, but since they weren't filled with very good stuff in the beginning, I amend every year. I'm a lazy composter, so usually I don't have enough to go around. I buy composted manure and dig in the straw or leaves that I mulched with. So far, so good. This is a new home for me, so I am still learning about gardening in the area.

Where do you get the fungi to add to the soil?

[Jessica]

Do you have any suggestions for where to get organic soil and compost in bulk (i.e., we'll go pick it up in our truck)? I've only seen it in bags I think, and that gets really expensive! Thanks for a great site. So informative.