April 19, 2012
Grow Gorgeous Plants with Healthy Soil
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What's the secret to a gorgeous, healthy garden? Great soil! While it can take time to build it up, it isn't difficult if you follow these five tips:
1. Don't walk on or work wet, soggy soil.
Doing so causes compaction that deprives roots of air and water.
2. Add organic matter annually.
Organic matter, including compost, composted manure, and mulched leaves, improves soil structure and adds nutrients.
3. Don't till the soil.
Research shows that tilling damages soil structure, making it difficult to hold onto nutrients and water. If you have to till, do so very infrequently.
4. Use organic mulch.
Unlike rocks and recycled rubber products, wood chips, compost, and other types of organic mulch feed the soil as they break down.
5. Use organic rather than synthetic fertilizers.
Unlike synthetic fertilizers, which give plants a quick energy boost, organic fertilizers slowly provide nutrients that improve soil and nourish plants. Compost, cottonseed meal,
and alfalfa meal are all great choices.
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more about the basics of good soil. |
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