The qualities that make for good garden soil fall into two categories:fertilityandtexture.
Fertility is a combination of essential nutrients and asoil pH levelthat makes these nutrients available to plants.
If your plants are growing well, there’s usually no need to touch the soil.
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Your localCooperative Extension Servicelikely provides this service for a nominal fee.
Many nurseries also test soil.
you’re able to make a guesstimate of your soil quality by looking at your plants' health.
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If they are thriving, dont fix what isnt broken.
But if your plants are yellowing or otherwise looking sickly, it could be worth testing your soil.
In an existing garden, this should be done in stages, so you don’t shock the plants.
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If you’re creating a new garden, go ahead and add the whole recommended amount.
The best way to improve soil texture is by adding organic material, such as compost or peat moss.
Decaying organic matter helps sandy soil by retaining water that would otherwise drain away.
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And it correctsclay soilby making it looser, so air, water, and roots all can penetrate.
Plus, in all soils it encourages beneficial microbial activity and provides nutritional benefits.
If it breaks apart easily when you tap it, it’s sandy soil.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Synthetic fertilizer has some pluses.
It’s usually cheaper than organic fertilizer, and it acts more quickly.
However, it doesn’t actually amend the soil; it just feeds the plants.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
And in some cases it might damage the soil with its high salt content.
Meanwhile, organic fertilizers release their nutrients over a period of time.
You won’t get an instant fix as you do with synthetic fertilizers.
But you will get a longer, sustained feeding.
In some cases, a yearly tool of compost might eliminate the need for all other forms of amendments.
Plant-based composts are lower in salts than those containing decomposed animal manure.
These composts are better for improving soil texture, though both do a good job of providing nutrients.
Organic matter, such as compost, is one of the best ways to amend garden soil.
Not only does it improve texture and drainage, but it also adds nutrients naturally.
Producing your own compost is a cheap way to amend garden soil.
Peat moss is another inexpensive product that works well to improve soil texture.
Fertilizersboth organic and syntheticadd nutrients to the soil.
Soil amendments are materials added to improve characteristics of the soil, including its density and drainage.
Choosing a Soil Amendment.Colorado State University Extension
