Enrich Garden Soil in 4 Ways

Some years you may notice that your garden doesn't do as well as other years, and this could be due to poor soil conditions. Plants rely on the soil to give them nutrients and minerals, and sometimes the ground is just depleted of these elements. This can be due to several factors, including the plants that have been grown in the past. Some plants add to the quality of the soil, and many plants can actually drain soil of those all important nutrients and minerals.

There are things you can do to improve the quality of your soil to ensure that next years garden has a better chance of success. It is best to start preparing soil in the fall for the spring growing season. That way, your amendments have the winter to break down and enrich the soil

Step 1 - Fertilizer

One of the best ways to improve soils nutrient content is by adding organic fertilizer. This is usually in the form of manure from cows, pigs, rabbits, bats, chickens, and horses. Do not use droppings from carnivorous animals. Manure should be aged properly before it is used. This can be done by allowing the manure to dry or by composting it. Once you add the manure, mix it into the soil well. If you are adding it in the spring, make sure to do it several weeks before you begin planting.

Step 2 - Compost

Adding compost will always improve the soils quality. It is comprised of decomposed or partially decomposed organic matter that provides nitrogen and potassium for the soil. Compost also encourages the growth or organisms, which break down many minerals into a form plants can more easily absorb. The organisms and worms also act as natural aerators in the soil with help supply oxygen. You can use regular compost which includes yard wastes and organic kitchen scraps, and leaf mould, which is a compost comprise solely of leaves.

Step 3 - Charcoal

If you have a fireplace, you can use some of the left over charcoal to add to the soil. Charcoal will add nutrients and will also absorb toxins that the soil has accumulated. Break the charcoal into small pieces and work it into the soil.

Step 4 - Green Manure

Green manure is a crop that you plant, usually in the fall, that adds nutrients and enriches the soil when it decomposes. Some green crops you can use include alfalfa, hairy vetch, and clover. Clover can be started while other crops are still growing without killing them. Clover needs very little moisture to thrive and will take over when your other crops are done. Alfalfa has very deep roots, which makes it ideal for breaking up soil. In addition to nitrogen, alfalfa adds protein and calcium to the soil. When these green manures begin to emerge in the spring, you can just break them up and work them into the soil. As they decompose, they will add more nutrients.