Digging deeper: Soil health
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The most important step in growing beautiful food is often overlooked. It’s a challenge to focus your time and money on something that most people won’t even notice, but taking steps to improve soil health is the most important thing you can do. The benefits you experience are worth the effort. The first thing you can do to get a good look into your soil health is by grabbing a soil sample and sending it to a lab for testing. This allows you to see what nutrients you may be lacking or what you may have too much of, specifically for the crop you are growing. A soil sample is the baseline of how you can begin improving your garden. Here is an example of what the results of a soil test may look like:
Based on your results, you can make the necessary changes and achieve optimal nutrient levels for growing success. Soil with deep organic content is essential for growing vegetables and plants in a garden. It helps retain moisture, provides the right nutrients for robust growth and yield, and creates a diverse soil food system. There are many different ways to improve your soil structure.
A great start is to introduce vermicompost, the nutrient-packed byproduct of composting worms, that can easily be added to existing soil. Garden compost is another effective soil supplement that provides much needed bacteria and enzymes as it breaks down plant material. With just a few simple techniques, you too can master the art of organic soil health—allowing your vegetable garden to reach its full potential!
A favorite brand and local company for vermicompost; Wormies
Another method for building soil structure is through the use of no-till gardening. With the exception of the first day I fill my beds, I try my hardest to not touch or move my soil too much. This includes walking through beds as well. I’m even gentle when harvesting and replanting my crops. If you haven’t already, check out Charles Dowding and his gardening book, Organic Gardening: The Natural No-Dig Way. Since implementing this gardening method, my soil is more aerated, less compacted, and almost weed free. I guarantee you’ll love the results too if you give it a try.
For those who may not receive our monthly newsletter, we have an upcoming event at the Civic Center in Holland. We're excited to be headed to the Holland farmers market on June 24th to present a class all about ways to create simple garden spaces based on your lifestyle. We hope you can join us, and look for more information in next month’s newsletter on how to register!