Improve Soil For Next Season

With most gardens fairly quiet and empty, late winter and early spring is a great time to improve your soil. Healthy soil can make all the difference to your fruit and vegetables. It’s important to replenish your soil as intensive growing can leave it stripped of its goodness. Improve Soil

What Kind Of Soil Do I Have?

Soil pH Meter - Improve Soil There are many remedies to improve the soil in your plot or garden but it is important to first identify what kind of soil you have. You’ll need to know the pH level of your soil and whether you need to alter it.

The majority of fruit and vegetables prefer a pH of about 6 or 7 (about neutral), but slightly on the acidic side. A Soil pH Meter or Soil Testing Kit will allow you to easily test the pH value of your soil.

If you need to increase the pH value of your soil, adding lime is a simple remedy that can increase the alkalinity. However, if you need to decrease the pH value of your soil, adding organic matter, such as compost and leaf mould to your soil can help. Stronger methods for lowering soil pH include the use of sulur.

Top Tip
Test your soil every few years as it can change over time.

In terms of texture, your soil can be predominantly made of sand, silt or clay. Sandy soils appear more crumbly and have a gritty element, whereas clay soils can be moulded into shapes and are sticky when wet. You’ll find silt somewhere in between.

Different soil types have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to determine your soil type before attempting to improve its condition. For example, clay soils can suffer drainage problems and may not suit plants that need free draining conditions. Light, sandy soils need a lot of watering.

Organic Matter

Organic matter will add a dash of good bacteria and replenish important nutrients. It can be used as a soil improver/conditioner, which is mixed into the soil, or as mulch, which is placed on the surface of the soil.

Soil Improver/Conditioner
Garden compost, composted green waste, leafmould and manure can all be mixed in to benefit your soil.

These must be well-rotted to avoid depleting nitrogen from the soil. Adding compost to your soil will also help improve drainage. Work into the soil at a depth of about 6 inches.

Mulch
Mulch is a layer applied to the surface of soil. A wider range of materials can be used in this case as there is less in contact with your soil. Garden compost can still be used, as well as coarser materials, such as bark and woodchip, which will take longer to break down. Using a mulch will help your soil retain water and keep roots warmer during the winter.

How To Make Leaf Mould
Take a look at our guide of simple steps to make the most of autumn and winter leaves. Read More Here.

Earthworms – A Soil’s Best Friend

Earthworms will pull organic matter down into your soil helping to break it down and release nutrients. Worm casts will also benefit your soil as they contain good soil bacteria, as well as a high concentration of beneficial nutrients.

Rock Minerals

One of the keys to restoring the health of our soils is through the process of remineralisation. Finely crushed rock (or rock dust) contains micronutrients and trace elements that are important to the life cycle of plants. You can buy volcanic rock dust that can put back vital nutrients into the soil. This can be spread across your soil and hoed in during early spring.

Click Here To Read More Gardening Guides

Need further help?

Our Gardening Angels are here to help you grow strong, healthy plants with bumper harvests. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions on 0845 602 3774 or drop us an email at info@greenhousesensation.co.uk . We’re always here to help!