Soil Envy - When the soil is always darker in someone else's garden!

If you are in the habit of thinking other people's gardens thrive because they have been blessed with good soil while you are stuck with inferior soil - you need to know that rich soil doesn't just happen on its own.  Granted, some have better soil to start with, but that rich dark soil you see takes years in the making.

The good news is: You can start now to build organic-rich garden soil that supports healthy plant growth.

• Till the soil deeply and remove rocks, roots and other debris from the soil. Remember your goal is to create loose, friable soil free of large rocks - to get that you need to put in a little labor and remove the existing rocks in your soil.
  
• Amend the soil with organic matter. This includes well-rotted manure, compost or peat moss Peat moss tends to lower the pH, as does manure with high amounts of straw or wood products in it.
• Spread  two to three inch layer over the entire garden and till it in. If you don't have the resources for covering the entire garden with organic matter - start small and add it to planting holes and mix it into the existing soil.
• Start a compost bin and add compost to your garden regularly.
• Adding new organic matter regularly - at least each spring and fall - gradually builds up your soil.
• Continue the cycle each year to maintain your soil.

For more information about testing and amending your soil visit my SOIL page and follow the links to detailed articles about garden soil.

                                      Until Next Time . . . HAPPY GARDENING!

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