Soil Health Guide

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. While we often focus on plants, the real magic happens underground where billions of organisms create the conditions for growth.

Understanding Healthy Soil

Soil Components

• Minerals: 45% (sand, silt, clay)
• Water: 25%
• Air: 25%
• Organic matter: 5% (but critically important!)

Signs of Healthy Soil

• Dark color (high organic matter)
• Earthy smell
• Crumbly texture (good structure)
• Earthworms present
• Water soaks in, doesn't pool
• Plants grow vigorously

Get a Soil Test

Before adding anything, know what you're working with:

• pH: Most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0
• Nutrients: N-P-K levels and micronutrients
• Organic matter: Target 5% or higher
• Where to test: County Extension Office (usually $15-25)

Building Organic Matter

Compost

• Nature's perfect soil amendment
• Add 1-3 inches annually
• Improves all soil types
• Feeds soil biology

Cover Crops

Green manures build soil while preventing erosion:

• Winter rye: Cold-hardy, massive roots
• Crimson clover: Fixes nitrogen, beautiful
• Buckwheat: Fast summer cover, attracts pollinators
• Austrian winter peas: Nitrogen fixing, winter-hardy

Mulching

Keep soil covered like nature does:

• Prevents erosion
• Moderates temperature
• Feeds soil organisms as it breaks down
• Reduces watering needs

Soil Biology

Key Players

• Bacteria: Break down organic matter, cycle nutrients
• Fungi: Create nutrient networks, improve structure
• Earthworms: Aerate, mix, create castings
• Protozoa: Eat bacteria, release plant-available nutrients

Feeding Soil Life

• Add diverse organic matter
• Minimize tillage
• Avoid synthetic chemicals when possible
• Keep soil covered
• Maintain moisture

Common Soil Problems

Heavy Clay

• Add organic matter (lots of it)
• Use gypsum to improve structure
• Avoid working when wet
• Plant in raised beds

Sandy Soil

• Add organic matter to hold nutrients
• Mulch heavily
• May need more frequent fertilizing

Compacted Soil

• Add organic matter
• Use broadfork instead of tilling
• Plant cover crops with deep roots
• Create permanent paths

Soil Amendments

For Nutrients

• Compost: Balanced nutrition, soil biology
• Aged manure: High nitrogen
• Bone meal: Phosphorus and calcium
• Kelp: Micronutrients and hormones

For Structure

• Compost: Improves all soil types
• Biochar: Long-lasting carbon, holds water and nutrients
• Gypsum: Breaks up clay without changing pH

For pH

• Lime: Raises pH (makes more alkaline)
• Sulfur: Lowers pH (makes more acidic)