A firm foundation of healthy soil will increase plant vitality while reducing the need for fertilizers. Regrettably, many commercial and residential lots have shallow soil that is rocky or clay-like. Check out the following tips for establishing and maintaining healthy soil.

1. Loosen the soil.
Compacted, overly dense soil does not efficiently absorb water, and it can stress plants through difficult rooting. If you are preparing a landscape feature such as a flower bed or garden, use a tiller or other tools to break up the soil, removing any rocks or other debris. Use an aerator to loosen the soil of an established lawn without disturbing the grass.

2. Add organic matter.
Plants need organic nutrients in order to thrive, yet most soils consist primarily of rocky mineral fragments. Plant and manure composts add essential components and improve the texture of soil. Avoid using raw (fresh) manure, hay, or sawdust, as these materials can harm plant roots, introduce weeds, and can leach existing soil nutrients.

3. Have your soil tested.
Local nurseries, farmers’ cooperatives, and agricultural offices offer soil testing for a small fee. To perform a soil test, simply collect small amounts of soil from a number of locations on your property, and take the soil to the testing provider. Dig 2 to 5 inches into the soil to get a true reading. Test results will reveal any deficiencies, as well as the pH of your soil – its ranking on an acid/alkaline continuum. Different plants thrive at different pH values, and soil can be amended appropriately.

4. Fertilize.
No matter how good your soil is to begin with, vigorous plants inevitably use up available nutrients. Fortunately, nutritional substances can be easily refreshed. When preparing a new planting, mix organic fertilizer and mineral supplements directly into the soil, or sprinkle them on top of the soil. Pelleted fertilizers are generally slow release and will nourish your plants throughout the season.

5. Give your soil life.
Not only does soil consist of rock, minerals, and organic matter – each inch of soil contains millions of living organisms. Compost and compost tea (the liquid by-product of plant compost) contribute helpful probiotic bacteria. You can also introduce macro-organisms, such as earthworms. Worms aid in soil aeration and in further composting organic material; they can be purchased from many garden suppliers.

As you can see, soil maintenance is a secret worth sharing. If you apply these simple suggestions – aeration, organic matter, soil testing, fertilizer, and helpful creatures, your lawn will thank you!