When you think of the word “fresh,” soil probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But even your garden’s soil needs a refresher now and then. Years of supporting the same plants can leave it in severe need of certain key components to plant health. Here are 3 tips to keep soil fresh:
Compost
Soil can become depleted of nutrients over time, especially in flower beds and gardens that are fairly established. So it’s important to add these nutrients back in. For plants, those nutrients come from decayed plant matter and the microorganisms that break them down. Compost is a great source of these nutrients, and it’s easy to obtain. If you don’t want to build and tend to your own compost pile, some local gardens and quarries may offer compost for sale.
Till Often
As great as the nutrients from compost are, they don’t do their job very well if the plant doesn’t have enough air to process them. That requires regular tilling or turning of the top layer of dirt at the plant’s base. Not only does this give the nutrients a chance to go to work, but it also helps water to soak in and encourages earthworm activity too.
Fertilize Correctly
We all know that fertilizer is an important aspect of soil health, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could actually hurt more than help it when you fertilize. It’s best to start by testing your topsoil’s ph levels to identify what elements need to be restored. Then, choose a fertilizer that will replenish the missing components.
Do you think your lawn or garden soil may need freshening up? Our team of soil experts here at ABC Scapes loves to help keep soil fresh. Give us a call at 602-404-0568.