Depending on the region you live in topsoil varies. You could have an inch or two of great top soil. Top soil that has been enriched wth organic matter. The flowers, fruits, dead leaves and twigs that fall to the ground gradually decompose into an organic matter known as humus, humus is teeming with life. Whats under this topsoil? Because this is where your plants roots will be.
One reason why a new garden does so well is the soil still has organic matter.
We can classify our soil into one of 4 types. Clay, sandy, chalky or humus rich, depending on which component is more dormant. Loam is the ideal soil having the perfect balance of all four.
What kind of soil do you have? The color and consistency of the soil will give you an idea. Brown or black soil that is light, moist and contains pieces if leaves and twigs and crumbles easily is the ideal soil. A whitish soil indicates the presence of chalk. Soil that drains and drys out quickly after a rain storn usually means you have a large about of sand. Sandy soil also will produces lots of dust on a dry windy day. Soil that has a orange or red color means you probably have lots of clay. Knead and compress a hand full of soil into a ball. If it fall apart without forming a ball you have a lot of sand. If it forms a shiny, firm, well packed ball you probably have lots of clay. If your soil forms a loose ball and breaks apart easily, you have a soil that well balanced.
All soils can be adjusted to the pefect soil by adding organic matter yearly.
Always remember there are plants that grow their best in sandy soil, or a soil thats lightly chalky, or a soil that has clay in it. Not all plants like that ideal soil. Again read the label on your plant and provide it with the soil it needs to survive and flourish.
One reason why a new garden does so well is the soil still has organic matter.
We can classify our soil into one of 4 types. Clay, sandy, chalky or humus rich, depending on which component is more dormant. Loam is the ideal soil having the perfect balance of all four.
What kind of soil do you have? The color and consistency of the soil will give you an idea. Brown or black soil that is light, moist and contains pieces if leaves and twigs and crumbles easily is the ideal soil. A whitish soil indicates the presence of chalk. Soil that drains and drys out quickly after a rain storn usually means you have a large about of sand. Sandy soil also will produces lots of dust on a dry windy day. Soil that has a orange or red color means you probably have lots of clay. Knead and compress a hand full of soil into a ball. If it fall apart without forming a ball you have a lot of sand. If it forms a shiny, firm, well packed ball you probably have lots of clay. If your soil forms a loose ball and breaks apart easily, you have a soil that well balanced.
All soils can be adjusted to the pefect soil by adding organic matter yearly.
Always remember there are plants that grow their best in sandy soil, or a soil thats lightly chalky, or a soil that has clay in it. Not all plants like that ideal soil. Again read the label on your plant and provide it with the soil it needs to survive and flourish.
