Soil isn’t just particles of rock. It’s actually organic matter and water — and is home to ¼ of all species on earth. More organisms reside in a teaspoon of soil than twice the total human population of the earth! Soil animals are called microfauna or macrofauna — comprised of protozoa, nematodes, and arthropods, along with smaller animals, like earthworms and moles. There’s also bacteria and fungi that help break down material into nutrients for plants, animals, and insects. Soils provide food for larger animals as many eat plants as their main source of nutrition. Plants clean the air – crucial to the survival of both animals and people. And America’s topsoil — as much as 30 plus feet in places — is looked upon as being amongst the most abundant and fertile soil in the world. It is a blessing of incalculable proportions. Coupled with the abundance of water we have, our great food-providing soil has granted us freedoms sought after the world over. We want great soil to grow our own food – a primary goal when we are talking about self-sufficiency!
But what if your little (or large) garden doesn’t have wonderful soil? There are ways of rectifying this situation. Start by tilling the soil you already have. Add a 3-inch layer of blended topsoil. What is blended topsoil? This is a mixture of mineral material and organic matter (i.e. compost), and organic topsoil. Some stores will have this but be specific when asking where it’s located. Probably best to go to gardening centers that cater to products like these. This is better than your basic bagged organic topsoil which is deficient in many of the nutrients your soil will need. After you apply the first layer, till it all together to create a 6-inch-deep surface layer. You are now recreating good, naturally occurring topsoil.
Spring or fall is the best time to add topsoil as rains will keep the soil moist and encourage biological activity. Maintain your topsoil by using compost. This is easy to do and saves you money.
Do not use chemical inorganic fertilizers – although they can feed a plant temporarily, only organic compounds can build soil biodiversity and maintain nutrient levels evenly throughout the growing season. Inorganic fertilizers can eradicate beneficial and necessary organisms by sterilizing the soil.
Please no pesticides! Instead provide a natural habitat for beneficial insects that will help control invasive pests intent on destroying your hard work. A diverse planting of natives will attract predatory insects which will provide a food source for other beneficial critters like spiders, and will also invite desperately needed pollinators like birds, bees, butterflys!
Organic mulches applied as a last step will suppress weeds, prolong soil moisture, and help control erosion while feeding the soil as they break down over time.
Soil is teeming with life and helps us to successfully grow our food. Next week we will be writing about how to control those invasive pests in your garden!