How To Improve My Soil: A Step By Step Guide

 Improving soil health is fundamental to creating a thriving garden. Here’s a step-by-step guide to improving the soil in your Farnham garden.

 1. Assess Your Soil Type

Understanding your soil’s composition is a vital first step when improving your soil. Not only does it allow you to select which type of ‘improvements’ to make to the soil, but also which plants to select. Types of soil include: sandy, clay, loam, silt, or a combination.

To assess your soil type you can do the following tests:

• Texture Test: Take a small amount of damp soil and rub it between your fingers. Sandy soil feels gritty, clay soil feels sticky, and loamy soil is smooth and crumbly.

• Jar Test: Fill a jar with soil, water, and a bit of dish soap. Shake well and let it settle. The layers will reveal the proportions of sand, silt, and clay.

2. Test Soil pH and Nutrients

Soil pH affects nutrient availability to plants and understanding nutrient levels helps in proper fertilisation. Soil pH and nutrient testing kits are available from garden centres or online and are easy to use. Simply put in the soil and wait for the results.

 3. Add Organic Matter

Organic matter improves soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient content. There are a variety of different types of organic matter to choose from including compost, well-rotted manure, leaf mould, and garden waste. To add to your garden, simply spread a layer of organic matter on the soil surface and mix it into the top few inches of soil. Repeat annually.

4. Mulching

Mulching conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds organic material as it decomposes. It also neatens up the beds. Different types of mulch include straw, wood chips, grass clippings, or compost. Simply apply a layer around plants, keeping away from the stems to prevent rot.

 5. Companion Planting

Companion planting is an organic way of controlling pests, aiding pollination or preventing disease. Most companion plants are strongly scented, confusing pests, others have antibacterial qualities. Most companion planting occurs in the vegetable patch, but some ornamental plants, such as roses, can also benefit as well. Common plant combinations include growing nasturtium to deter aphids from beans, and planting alliums around carrots to ward off carrot root fly.

 6. Reduce Soil Compaction

Compacted soil restricts root growth and reduces water infiltration. Avoid walking on beds by using designated paths to reduce pressure on soil. Or you can aerate the soil using a garden fork or aerator to loosen compacted areas, particularly after heavy rain or frequent use.

 7. Use Green Manures

Green manures are fast-growing plants sown to cover bare soil. Often used in the vegetable garden, their foliage smothers weeds and their roots prevent soil erosion. When dug into the ground while still green, they return valuable nutrients to the soil and improve soil structure. Examples include clover, winter rye, and mustard. Sow in bare soil during offseason or in areas needing rejuvenation. Turn them into the soil before they flower.

 8. Incorporate Beneficial Soil Organisms

Beneficial organisms like earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi enhance soil fertility and structure. You can add them by either reguarly adding compost or organic matter to your soil. Alternatively, you could purchase Mycorrhizal Inoculants online, which contain live spores of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi, growth-promoting soil fungi and bacteria, carbon, and organic soil nutrients. Use these when planting to boost root growth and nutrient uptake.

 9. Manage Water Wisely 

Proper watering maintains soil structure and health. Avoid overwatering by watering deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Alternatively you could use drip irrigation to reduce water loss and soil erosion.

 10. Monitor and Maintain Soil Health

Regular monitoring helps maintain balanced soil conditions. Check soil pH and nutrients at least once a year and watch plant growth and soil conditions, adjusting practices as needed.

 Additional Tips:

• Avoid Synthetic Fertilisers: They can disrupt soil biology. Use organic options instead.

• Recycle Garden Waste: Compost kitchen and garden waste to return nutrients to the soil.

• Grow Perennial Plants: They help maintain soil structure and reduce the need for frequent soil disturbance.

 Recommended Resources:

• Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): Offers comprehensive guides on soil health and improvement.

• Local Garden Centers: Provide soil testing kits and organic amendments tailored for UK gardens.

• Community Gardening Groups: Often share resources and advice on sustainable gardening practices.

By following these steps, you can significantly improve the condition of your garden soil, leading to healthier plants and a more sustainable garden ecosystem.

If you’d like help on making your garden more environmentally friendly then contact with Farnham Lawn And Garden Care HERE.