Invest in Quality Potting Mix
Splurge as much as possible. A great rule of thumb regarding potting mix is to spend as much as you can afford. The investment will be worth it when you see your plants thrive. High-quality potting soil provides better aeration, water retention, and nutrients. The extra investment will pay off when your plants thrive and produce beautiful blooms or abundant harvests.
Unlock Nutrients with Lime
Soil pH is critical for plant health. Most plants grow best in slightly acidic soil (pH 6-6.5), where their roots absorb nutrients easily. You can adjust your soil’s pH with lime.
Use Organic Mulches
Mulch provides multiple benefits: it helps retain moisture, regulates soil temperature, prevents weed growth, and protects the soil from erosion. Organic mulches, like pea straw, leaf litter, and wood chips, break down over time, adding valuable organic matter to the soil and enriching its structure.
Encourage Earthworms
Earthworms are nature’s soil engineers, breaking down organic matter into valuable nutrients and minerals for your plants. To attract more earthworms to your garden, use products like Blood & Bone, a slow-release fertiliser that feeds your plants and soil microbes, encouraging a healthy, worm-friendly environment.
Use Organic Soil Improvers
Consider using organic soil improvers to enrich your soil further and improve its structure. These products add organic matter, helping to improve soil health by increasing microbial activity, enhancing nutrient availability, and boosting overall soil fertility. Regular use will bring your soil to life, creating a fertile plant foundation.
With these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating nutrient-rich, healthy soil to help your garden flourish come spring. Healthy soil equals healthy plants, so invest the time and effort now for a bountiful garden later.