Your dirt is the key to having a healthy garden.
Here are the myths debunked and what to do instead.
No matter where you garden, it’s worth improving the quality of the topsoil you have available.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
After all, plants rely on topsoilthe uppermost layer of the earth’s surfacefor water andnecessary nutrients.
This key in of soil is very easy to dig in and supports healthy plant growth.
However, the pop in of soilactuallyavailable in your yard may look very different.
Depending on your region, it can vary from reddish clay to beige, sandy soil.
Knowing these basics will help you successfully create the best environment you’re able to for your plants.
All the earth in your yard is made up ofsand, silt, and clayin various amounts.
It takes time to build up high-quality soil that includes generous amounts of decomposed plants, called organic matter.
It’s also important for supporting a healthy soil ecosystem of microbes that help plants grow better.
Materials Needed
The quickest way to get great garden soil is to purchase it.
On top of that, you canamend your topsoilfurther with a couple of inches ofcompost.
This can be costly and involve a lot of labor, but it will ultimately create very productive soil.
Compost at homewith decomposed yard debris, food scraps, and newspaper.
But after that, it’s best to avoid disturbing the soil as much as possible.
Reduce the intensity or frequency of tilling to help create soil environments that are diverse and resilient.
you might avoid this by staying off your soil, especially when it’s wet.
If you’re not sure whether you better add nutrients, asoil testis a quick way to check.
Instead, stick with potting mix for containers and use topsoil in garden beds.
The best topsoil to buy will depend on what you’re using it for.
Topsoil should be crumbly and dark, with the aroma of rich, organic, fertile earth.
Hoidal, Natalie; LaCanne, Claire.Reducing tillage in your garden.University of Minnesta Extension.
