Soil Health Tips

Healthy soil is dark, crumbly, and smells earthy. It holds moisture without becoming waterlogged and drains without drying out instantly. You should see earthworms when you dig — their presence indicates good biological activity. A lab soil test ($15-30 through your local extension service) gives precise nutrient levels and pH readings that guide targeted amendments.

Soil pH measures acidity (below 7) or alkalinity (above 7) on a scale of 0-14. Most garden plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0-7.0). pH matters because it controls nutrient availability — even nutrient-rich soil locks up iron, phosphorus, and other essentials at extreme pH levels. Test your pH before adding any fertilizer — the problem may be pH, not nutrient deficiency.

Add coarse organic matter — 3-4 inches of compost worked into the top 8-10 inches over several seasons. Do not add sand to clay (it creates a concrete-like mixture). Gypsum helps break up clay structure in some soils. Planting deep-rooted cover crops like daikon radish punches through compacted layers naturally. Patience matters — clay improvement is a multi-year process.

Apply 1-2 inches of finished compost as a top dressing annually, typically in early spring or late fall. The compost feeds soil organisms, adds slow-release nutrients, and improves soil structure over time. There is no need to dig it in — worms and rain will incorporate it naturally. For new beds, mix 3-4 inches into the soil at planting time.

Yes. Pure compost or heavily amended soil can have excess nitrogen, poor drainage, and unstable structure. The ideal garden soil is about 5-10% organic matter by weight. If your plants are producing excessive leaf growth but few flowers or fruit, organic matter levels may be too high. In raised beds filled with compost, add mineral soil or sand to improve balance.

Compost is decomposed organic matter mixed into soil to improve structure and biology. Mulch is material spread on the soil surface to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature — it may be organic (bark, straw) or inorganic (gravel, landscape fabric). Fertilizer is concentrated plant food providing specific nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). Gardens benefit from all three, but each serves a different purpose.