From The Ground Up: How To Build And Maintain Healthy Garden Soil
Aanya Sharma
Know Your Soil Type
Start by identifying whether your soil is sandy, loamy, or clayey. Each type has unique drainage and nutrient properties. Knowing this helps you choose the right plants and tailor your care routine effectively.
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Test Soil pH Regularly
Soil pH affects nutrient availability. Most plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6–7). Use a home testing kit to monitor pH levels and add lime or sulfur as needed for balance.
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Add Organic Matter
Enrich your soil with compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure. Organic matter improves texture, increases nutrient content, and promotes healthy microbial activity, keeping your plants happy and robust.
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Avoid Over-Tilling
Frequent tilling can damage soil structure and beneficial organisms. Instead, loosen soil gently when needed. Let natural organisms, like earthworms, aerate it for you.
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Use Mulch Wisely
A layer of organic mulch retains moisture, regulates temperature, and reduces weeds. As it breaks down, it adds valuable nutrients to the soil, keeping it healthy and well-fed year-round.
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Rotate Crops and Plants
Planting the same crop repeatedly depletes specific nutrients. Rotate crops or plant families annually to restore balance and prevent pest and disease buildup.
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Keep Soil Covered
Bare soil loses moisture and nutrients quickly. Grow cover crops or ground covers to protect it from erosion and retain fertility. This also adds green manure to enrich the soil later.
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Water Thoughtfully
Overwatering can suffocate roots and wash away nutrients. Water deeply but less often to encourage strong root systems and better soil structure.
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Encourage Beneficial Life
Healthy soil teems with life, from microbes to earthworms. Avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides that harm them. Support this ecosystem naturally for long-term soil vitality.
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Thanks For Reading!
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