CARING FOR YOUR SOIL
Healthy soil = healthy plants. Soil needs organic matter (mulch,
compost, manure, grass clippings). Worms break it down to make food for
plants to use and their burrows allow air into the soil so the plant
roots can breath. Organic matter needs to be replaced regularly as the
worms eat it all up and plants absorb the nutrients. If organic matter
is not added, the soil becomes like concrete in the summer and a sticky
mess in the winter. In addition, most people want a low maintenance
garden. This is much easier if you look after your soil.
SOIL IMPROVEMENT TIPS
- The soil needs to be damp before you add mulch so late spring
(November) is the best time to put on mulch once the winter rains
have soaked in.
- Mulches made from recycled organics are an excellent choice as
they save water, last well and feed the soil when they break down.
- Spreading compost over your soil (under the mulch layer) will
encourage worms in your garden.
- Pea straw and Lucerne are the best if you have not mulched the
soil for a long time as they break down quickly so it's easier for
the worms to eat. Bark mulch has very few nutrients so it isn't very
good for improving the soil.
- Soil improvement such as pea straw placed on the soil surface is
generally only required for exotic plants, vegetables and fruit
trees. Most local and native plants like a relatively infertile soil
so they prefer bark mulch on its own without soil improvement.
- When buying new soil for your garden don't just buy topsoil, buy
a soil that includes recycled organics or compost.
- Don't cultivate your soil unless it is very compacted after
building works. Digging destroys the soil structure, therefore
destroying the air holes and drainage spaces.
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