3 Ways to Improve the Health of Your Soil
Those who know me know that for me, it’s all about the soil. Making great soil. One of my very favourite websites is Kiss the Ground. It’s a wonderful community that’s all about bringing life back to our soil and encouraging regeneration for a healthier world.
Since 2013, they’ve inspired millions (me included!) to join the Regenerative Movement through heartwarming stories, easy-to-follow education, and fantastic partnerships. Their passion for healthy soil and a thriving planet shines through in everything they do, and I find myself returning to their site time and again for inspiration.
Growing a garden is one of the best things that you can do for your health and for the environment. And one of the most important keys to growing healthy fruits, vegetables and flowers is supporting the health of your soil. Ready to get started? Try out the tips below!
1. Feed Your Soil
Soil is comprised of organic matter, consisting primarily of decomposing soil organisms and plant matter, such as lichens, mosses, and leaves, as well as minerals derived from weathered rock. Although organic matter accounts for only roughly 5-10% of the soil, it is a vital component of a thriving garden ecosystem. By holding in moisture, storing nutrients, and feeding important soil organisms, high levels of soil organic matter (SOM) are one of the best indicators of a healthy garden.
Adding amendments such as compost, animal manures, green manures, coffee grounds, and/or mulch to your soil can help build up SOM. Turn your leftover food scraps or garden trimmings into nutrient-rich compost for this purpose. You can also buy worms, add them directly to your compost bin, and collect their castings (a highly pure, nutrient-dense form of compost).
Contact your local coffee shop to see if they offer a program to collect their used coffee grounds. And if you know a friend who has animals, see if you can utilise some of their manure pile. (Don’t ask me because I use the farm animals muck to make my own compost!)
The soil lifeforms that you are feeding with these amendments include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and worms. Many of these organisms are important for retaining good soil structure. Mycorrhizal fungi, in particular, play a crucial role in locking away carbon and enhancing soil quality. Together, these organisms help convert organic matter and soil minerals into the nutrients plants need to grow and thrive.
2. Cover Your Soil
Protect your soil from wind, rain, and UV radiation by keeping it covered year-round with plants, cover crops, and/or mulch. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, and as it breaks down, it gradually adds organic matter to the soil.
Cover crops can also help protect the soil, balance the soil’s nutrient profile, and enhance biodiversity. A kind of “living mulch”, cover crops discourage the growth of weeds, ward off disease, and attract beneficial birds and insects. Common cover crops include peas, alfalfa, and clovers. Once you’re ready to plant your fruits, vegetables, and herbs, simply mow down the cover crop and allow it to decompose, or plant directly into the mulch.
3. Test Your Soil
It is essential to understand which nutrients are abundant in your soil and which nutrient levels may be deficient. To determine what your unique soil profile is and how you can improve it, get a home soil test or have your soil professionally tested by a garden lab or university. Once you know which nutrients to supplement your garden with, you can make the necessary adjustments and tailor your cover crops and composts to best meet your needs.
Happy Gardening!
Growing a garden isn’t always easy, but it’s certainly rewarding. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. Connect with your local master gardener community, community gardens, check out books, and find YouTube videos online to help you along.
Kiss the Ground also have online on-demand courses where you can learn about regeneration and healthy soil. No gardening experience is necessary – just a desire to learn, explore, and improve the world around you.
As we head into the colder months, I’m filled with excitement for all the projects to come – whether it’s nurturing the soil, planning new flower beds, or enjoying the simple joys of life on the farm. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here’s to a fruitful, flourishing garden and a winter full of hope and happy moments. Until next time, ‘Happy Gardening’ from my pretty little corner of France!