DIY Network

Keys to Creating Healthy Soil

Gardening expert Joe Lamp'l, host of Fresh From the Garden, explains why healthy soil is the first step toward a hardy garden.

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There are no shortcuts in gardening, especially if you are building a garden to weather any storm. Mother Nature can deal a wicked hand, but, with a bit of effort, you can create a garden that is up to the challenge.

Healthy soil is the first step toward a hardy garden

By Joe Lamp'l

I learned a long time ago there are no shortcuts in gardening. Especially if you are building a garden to weather any storm. To be certain, Mother Nature can deal a wicked hand. However, with a bit of proactive effort, you can create a garden that is up to the challenge.

In the simplest terms, your efforts will be directed to what happens before you plant (the most important) and then what happens from there. Let's start with preparation.

If location, location, location is the mantra of real estate success, then soil, soil, soil is the gardening equivalent. If you could only do one activity in preparing or maintaining your garden for lasting results, then creating healthy soil is it.

So, what does that mean exactly?

Healthy soil is neither too loose nor too compacted. It binds together when squeezed, yet crumbles easily when disturbed. This soil structure or "tilth" will retain enough moisture to be available for plant roots, yet drain sufficiently to allow plant roots to breath. Healthy soil is also full of organic material, such as compost, manure, humus and beneficial bacteria. Fortunately, you can create soil like this no matter what you start with.

For sandy soil, add plenty of organic material such as peat moss, compost, manure and leaf mold. Any composted organic matter improves water-holding capacity and life in the soil. For clay or poorly drained soils, again adding compost, manure, leaf mold or ground bark will work magically to loosen tightly compacted soil, allowing water to drain.

However, note the absence of peat moss from this list. Its biggest benefit is the ability to hold water, an attribute not desired in heavy soil. In either case, organic material not only improves soil structure; it provides important beneficial bacteria and fungus that are necessary for vigorous plant growth and disease-fighting properties.

The result of your efforts at this point is what I call "TV soil" (television soil). You've seen it and know what I mean. Imagine effortlessly plunging your arm into soil up to your elbow. That is TV soil!

Another benefit to rich, organic soil is a balanced soil pH level. PH is measured within a range of 0 to 14, the neutral level being 7.0. As you move closer to zero, soil becomes more acidic. Soil is considered alkaline as the level increases above 7.0.

Most plants can use nutrients and minerals in the soil when soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. Levels outside this range can inhibit the plants ability to utilize these nutrients.

Consequently, a soil pH that is either too high or too low can deprive a plant of its full potential to thrive and can cause visible signs of stress and decline.

To rectify the problem, contact your county extension service and have your soil pH tested. The analysis you receive will guide you on how to correct the problem. It's an easy fix with the right information, although it may take several months for your actions to take full effect.

Fortunately, the time you spend to create healthy soil now makes the rest of your work much easier and more enjoyable. The benefit is a healthy, vibrant garden that will be better able to resist pests and diseases and produce the results you hoped for.

(Joe Lamp'l, a master gardener, hosts DIY's Fresh from the Garden as well as a gardening radio show. For more information, visit www.joegardener.com.)

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