The Simple Side of Soil

As we approach the end of the summer season and start to plan and prepare for our fall gardens, I find myself pondering about soil. One of the essential tasks at hand, when it comes time for season switching, is tending to and amending your soil before planting new seeds and transplants. Garden soil only needs amending twice a year, once when switching from winter to spring, and again in between summer and fall. The only other appropriate time to amend is when you notice a nutrient deficiency in your soil that is impacting the growth of your crops, such as a nitrogen deficiency resulting in stunted growth or chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) in your plants. Taking the time to understand the primary components of soil and how to manage it long-term will help you immensely in continuing to maintain your gardens health.

Gardener showcasing some beautiful loamy soil.

So, what is soil exactly? It is home to microorganisms, beneficial insects, and a whole lot of rich organic matter that provides the perfect medium for plants to grow. It is the gorgeous earth we walk on, the beautiful vehicle for forests to thrive, and a diverse body of knowledge waiting to be studied. In that light, let’s break down the basics.

A lovely earthworm in its natural habitat: healthy garden soil.

Soil ranges in texture from sand to clay and everything in between. Soil texture is a direct result of the size of the particles present; when the particles are large, the soil will become sandy, and when the particles are small, it will become clay. Sand is considered a light soil, which usually has adequate drainage but insufficient water retention. Clay is a heavy soil and has overwhelming water retention and little drainage. Medium-sized particles right in between sand and clay are called silt. Finding that perfect balance of these components is key to creating a lovely garden soil for your crops. Loamy soil, considered the best garden soil, is technically forty percent sand, forty percent silt, and twenty percent clay. It provides the optimal qualities of holding water and air while still allowing drainage and a consistent production of nutrients. 

Standard bags of Sloat Organic Potting Soil.

A gardener’s handful of slightly clay soil.

Now that we know the science behind it, let’s talk about how great garden soil should look and feel. Loamy soil should be a rich dark brown color and feel smooth and crumbly. The easiest way to test the soil texture is by doing the standard hand-soil check, which I refer to in my previous blog on overwatering. Feeling the soil in this way will give you plenty of information on how healthy your soil is, not only in regards to how well you are watering but also in determining how to amend your soil come season switch time. 

A dirty gardener’s hand full of luscious soil and a fresh sprout.

Amending your soil is vital. After you have pulled your final crops and removed all roots from your garden to make way for the new season, it is time to work that dirt. You will need to loosen up the existing soil, add new soil and compost and any other organic matter that will help your soil flourish, and mix it all up! Once you have thoroughly mixed your new soil into the garden, smooth out the topsoil gently with your hands to create an even level with the garden beds. Adding both soil and compost will provide the proper nutrition and microorganisms for a healthy soil all season long. If you want to add an extra boost to your garden soil, or it has struggled in the previous growing season, then incorporating an additional amendment such as worm castings or chicken manure will help your soil go the distance. If you can determine what kind of nutrition balance your soil needs, then choose an amendment accordingly by asking your local nursery when purchasing soil. 

A gardener using a trowel to finish mixing new soil into a raised bed.

Treating our soil with love and intention is what it comes down to, and once you know how to amend, how to water, and how to look out for signs of distress, you will find that tending to your soil comes with joy and ease. Soil is the heart of the garden, and as such, it will speak to you loudly when you simply listen.