Preparing Your Soil

My Life As A Mom

March 1

Hey Friends,

Today we are going to talk about preparing your soil for planting. Getting your soil ready is one of the most important things to do when it comes to gardening. Having healthy soil is key to making your plants happy and growing for the season. Whether you're starting a new garden or preparing existing beds for the coming season, it's important to check your soil and enrich it for your plants. No matter the season or size of your gardening having enriched soil makes a world of difference when it comes to planting.

Healthy garden soil is crucial for supporting plant roots by providing access to essential nutrients, water, and air. It should have a balanced composition, being fast-draining yet moisture-retentive, and neither too dense nor too loose. The upper layer, or topsoil, is particularly vital as it hosts a diverse array of beneficial organisms, such as earthworms and microbes, making it biologically active and conducive to plant growth.

Tips for getting a healthy soil for the season:

Wet the soil, then allow it to dry out for a day.
Squeeze soil in your hand:
- Clay: forms a tight ball, and feels slippery.
- Sandy: feels gritty, doesn't hold its shape, crumbles.
- Loam: slightly crumbly, holds a loose ball.
Amend soil as needed using specific organic materials, and calculate the amount required for the planting bed.