Whether you want to create your first landscape garden or you need renovation, the health of the soil is critical when preparing for this. One way to determine the health of the soil is to check if there are lacking or abundant minerals in it. Usually, soil tests are done to measure the levels of soil magnesium, pH, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and often nitrogen. The test may also check the soil’s micronutrient content.
Here are some essentials to consider when preparing garden soil:
Water
Soil and plants need water but not too little or too much. Healthy soil should have 25% of water. Sandy soils have too much pore space which makes water drains quickly and can’t be used to plants. With silt and clay soils, the plant roots and soil organisms will get suffocated as the water will fill all the spaces and the soil will get waterlogged.
Air
Plants and soil need air just like humans. Soil oxygen is vital to the survival of every soil organism that plants need. Air in the soil carries atmospheric nitrogen that is converted into a usable form for plants. Good soil should provide enough space. Clay and silty soil have little air as these soils have small particles. Unlike dense soils, sandy soils have an excessive amount of air, which leads to fast decomposition.
Organic matter
Almost any soil will improve if added with compost. The texture of dense soils is fundamentally improved when mixed with compost. Any soil gets better with annual top applications. If you are going to use organic compost, you can make it yourself at home or purchase it by the bag.
Organic materials and compost carry soil particles together in aggregates to retain moisture. They are also responsible for absorbing and storing nutrients that are found in plants. Compost is also a food source for beneficial organisms.
You can make your own organic compost by piling organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, livestock manure, and food waste on top of one another. Keep it moist and be sure to use specific composters or bins to prevent rodents and other animals messing up your pile.
You should consider these factors if you want your landscape garden to be healthy. For a beautiful and long-lasting garden, you should consider taking care of your plants and soil. You should also focus on providing your garden with quality soil and other organic materials for healthier plants.