So, you have a great garden space, but terrible soil? Or perhaps you’re that blessed gardener with healthy soil, but you need to maintain it? No matter your situation, we have you covered!
What is Soil Made From?
Soil is composed of minerals and organic matter and there are generally 3 sizes that will classify inorganic soil. Larger particles are known as sand, the more medium sized is silt, and smaller particles are clay. The proportions used will depend on the texture and directly impacts the drainage and nutrients of your soil which will naturally have an outcome of your plant’s health and growth. Organic matter is a partially decomposed mixture of remaining plant life and organisms. This could include leaves, trees, mosses and grasses. It generally only makes up a small portion of the soil, but it allows air and water to move through it easier!
What Does Soil Need?
Good texture should be crumbly and look a lot like sprinkled cookie crumbles over a freshly iced cake. Getting this texture can take some work but it’s critical to plant health.
Healthy pH – Much like humans, soil needs a healthy pH level to enrich your garden’s growth. pH is the measurement of acidity, and depending on what kind of plant you’re growing, you may need a more acidic soil or a more neutral soil.
Organic Matter – Another critical aspect to soil health. We touched on that a bit earlier but it’s important to understand your plants need for nutrients, which in large comes from organic matter.
What Can You Do?
Luckily, there are some excellent DIY soil testing kits you can buy to help get you started! You can learn about your soil and see where it can improve.
Composting can also be incredibly beneficial and will undoubtedly improve your soil nutrient levels. Keep in mind that you don’t want to disrupt the soil too much and you want to refrain from compacting it down as to allow roots to grow.
Benefits of Composting – Composting is a great way to help-out the environment. Decrease the amount of food waste you throw into the trash and use it as compost for your garden and flower beds. Compost can act as a glue for your soil and will eliminate erosion. Your soil will be able to hold water better.
Another critical aspect to plant growth and soil health is moisture control!
When the spring season comes around, we all desire to get outside and make sure our gardens and flower beds are in top shape for the summer season. One of the best ways to ensure you can make it through the dry season is to invest in a residential sprinkler system from Suburban Lawn Sprinkler.
Suburban Lawn Sprinkler Co. is here to ensure that your lawn and garden stay watered and maintained throughout the year and will help you achieve healthy soil status. Give us a call at 508-872-2727 today to learn more about our efficient irrigation systems!
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