Healthy Garden Soil: Why is it Important?Healthy garden soil is essential to plant growth. But what is healthy garden soil and how does your soil measure up?
To get the most from your garden, and that certainly means the most enjoyment, you really do need to know some basic facts about soil. Why? Well, firstly, because many plants are adapted to different soils and quite simply will not thrive in the wrong conditions and, secondly, because some cultivation techniques don't work on all types of soil. Take a little time now to learn about the basics of garden soil and reap the rewards by knowing which plants will flourish in your garden, the best cultivation techniques to use, or, if you want to improve or amend your soil how best to go about it. Armed with a little knowledge, you will be able to avoid making expensive mistakes at the garden centre and direct your time and energy to doing things that will work.
We are probably all familiar with the photos of the 'ideal' garden soil seen in gardening magazines and on TV. Generally such soils are a deep rich brown due to their high organic content, have a crumbly 'workable' appearance and quite clearly provide the ideal habitat for all those beneficial soil organisms we know we should have! They are neither too wet nor too dry, retaining sufficient water to see plants through any dry spells without becoming waterlogged during wet periods. In general they are the result of many years of careful cultivation. So how do you work out how your soil measures up? First, check out the three basic soil characteristics that you need to be aware of as a gardener. Then take a look at the main types of soil you are likely to encounter. Once you've done that, you should have a good idea of your own soil type but it is still worth taking a few minutes to carry out a simple soil identification 'feel test'. As a final step review the information about soil pH which also explains the simple process of carrying out a pH test. Remember: all types of soil have some benefits; it's a question of working out what you've got and learning how to make the most of it. The easiest way is always to work with nature.
For example, if you find you have a heavy clay soil, be sure to choose
trees and shrubs and perennials and climbers that naturally grow in clay.
Similarly, there are many plants that thrive in sandy soil. Chalky soil? Look for
trees and shrubs and perennials and climbers that are adapted to chalky, alkaline soils.
If your soil is acidic choose from the range of acid-loving, or ericaceous,
trees and shrubs and perennials and climbers.
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Spring is just around the corner!"After the recent spells of bitterly cold winter weather, you might be forgiven for thinking that spring will never arrive this year.But the days are definitely getting brighter and longer and there are signs of life reawakening in the garden. Now is the ideal time to assess how your garden has come through the winter and to start thinking ahead to the new gardening year. Chances are things are looking a little tired and jaded outside so take this opportunity to give your yard or garden a spring clean and get it ship shape for the coming year. Check out our spring gardening tips on revitalising lawns and borders and sprucing up structures and surfaces and make your spring garden a more enjoyable place to be!"
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