From the Ground Up

Preparing soil properly is the basis for any successful garden area – vegetable, mixed border, turf, or any other. Beginners do not always realize how important this is, but wonder later why a planting did no succeed. Though we cannot see the plant's root system, it is very important to overall plant health. Literally, plant health starts in the soil.

• Does the soil drain well? If not, add drain tiles, create a berm or raised bed, or add organic amendments like peat, pine bark, or compost. Most garden plants need good drainage so their roots will have plenty of oxygen.
• What type soil is it? Is it mostly clay, mostly sand, or a mix of the two. Most of our soils fit these categories. Rich, organic soils are great for many plants, but rare in Alabama. You can always add organic amendments, no matter the soil type, to improve soil health.
• Have you done a soil test recently? Taking a soil test is the only way to know what nutrients are or are not available to your plants. Soil pH may also need correcting so the soil environment is just right for your specific plants. Different plants have different needs. Get information and supplies for soil testing at your county Extension office.
• How wet is it today? Soils are a terrific reservoir for the water plants need. However, digging and working in soils when saturated can mean disaster. If it sticks to the shovel in a sheet or peels off tools as a solid clump, you are creating clods. These individual clods no longer work together, separated by smooth, slick edges and also create large air pockets when filled back in a planting hole. Roots unable to push through the smooth surfaces of clods, but also unable to grow in air pockets. Try this – if a handful of soil crumbles easily, conditions are perfect for digging.

Last, but not least, mulch gives enormous benefit to both plants and soil. Mulching the garden conserves soil moisture, prevents soil crusting, helps with weed control, moderates root zone temperatures, and improves soil structure as it decays. Pine straw is excellent mulch and is usually easy to get. Ground pine bark is also good. Slightly rotted tree leaves can even be used. Any organic material you have available will do the trick. Spread mulch out beyond the outer leaves of the plants. After settling, mulch should be 2 to 3 inches deep.

Avoid using plastic landscape fabrics. These sometimes prevent good air circulation, and can decrease water penetration into the soil. With organic mulches, avoid piling deep against the trunk or stem. This may encourage rot or other pest problems.

Understand your soil first before planting
Plant roots need oxygen to breathe. Be certain you have well drained, aerated soil. Plants need nutrients to stay healthy. Take a soil test every two to three years and be certain of plant needs before spending money and time on extra fertilizer. Add organic matter. It loosens and aerates tight, clay soils, improves water holding in loose, sandy soils and adds nutrients to all soil types. Plant roots need healthy soil. Take care of it by remembering the above tips and by applying a little patience when soil is too wet for digging.

Posted by smithkp at April 7, 2005 12:46 PM