A bountiful garden, like most things in life, begins with a solid foundation, and soil is the key to a garden’s foundation. All gardens can benefit from a little TLC before planting.
testing, 1-2-3
Before getting out your garden spade and planting, you need to know the basics about soil. A good first step is a soil test. This test, conducted by your county cooperative extension service, will provide information about nutrients available in the soil, as well as its pH or acidity. Test results provide information about plant food and fertilizer needs, taking the guesswork out of what to add to the soil.
It’s also important to understand texture; is it sand, clay or silt? Knowing this gives you a good idea of how well the soil holds and retains nutrients. To determine texture, take a golf ball-size lump—if it falls apart, it’s too sandy. If it holds its shape, it has too much clay.
[get digging]
Once you get the soil test results and determine the texture, you’re ready to get your hands dirty and start improving the soil. First, add organic materials. These help a soil that is high in clay drain better, or it can help a sandy soil retain moisture. Compost is a great organic material for this step.
Next, add fertilizer and lime as determined by the soil test results. Be sure to apply only the recommended amounts and no more. Be careful not to work the soil with hand tools or tillers while it’s wet. Even walking through soil when it’s wet can lead to compaction.
[maintaining the soil]
Don’t let your hard work go to waste: Maintain the health of your soil throughout the year. Microbes digest and burn up organic matter, so you’ll want to continue adding organic matter, to keep the soil healthy.
I find my cares really melt away when I get some dirt under my nails. I hope these soil foundation tips get your soil in tip-top shape so you, too, can find relaxation in your garden.
Photo: Kelly Quinn
[P. Allen Smith, host of two public television programs, is an award-winning designer and gardening expert. He is the author of several books, including his Seasonal Recipes from the Garden.]
