Plants need good soil to provide many of their essential life elements. Soil provides support for the plants roots and the weight of its structure. Soil also functions as a carrier for water and nutrients, as well as a source of disease and pests. Let's look at some ways to make our soil healthier.
More about pH. Earlier we talked about the importance of the relative alkalinity and acidity in soil. Because plants need a certain range of pH in order to absorb critical elements, we must make sure we balance our soil. The results of a soil test can give you the answers you need. It is easier to make pH adjustments before you plant. Your local extension service will tell you if you need to add lime to your planting beds or yard. All of the elements necessary to balance your soil can be readily obtained at your local gardening or home improvement center.
If worms can grow! Large healthy earthworms in the soil are often a good predictor of soil makeup and quality. Worms have many of the same requirements of plants. They need a loose soil that allows them to move about freely to find food and water. Worms need soil that can hold a certain amount of humidity during dry times, while draining well during wet periods. The roots of a plant need these same conditions. If your soil is too dense, it will not create healthy plants.
Soil Amendments. By adding fertile organic materials to our soil we are accomplishing several things in one small step. First, we are aerating the soil and breaking up areas that are dense and compact. This provides oxygen that encourages root growth and helps control rot and root fungus. Secondly, this rich material provides nutrients to the soil in a concentration that is healthy to the plant. Chemical fertilizers can often burn plants, but compost rarely will. Organic matter breaks down slowly and acts like nature's own time-released fertilizer. Another benefit is the water retention ability of many organic amendments. This can store water that your plants need in times of drought.
Plant Health. There are many varieties of plants that have been propagated to be disease or pest resistant. This makes keeping our gardens healthy and lush easier than ever before. However, the most important factor in keeping a plant free of pests and disease is through good plant health. A healthy plant is far less likely to be damaged than a plant that is struggling to find food and water. Proper conditions and care can go a long way to great looking, healthy plants.
