There's a rhythm to nature. Emerging growth in the spring, blooming flowers in the summer, and harvest in the fall. Each part of this cycle leads right into the next, like clockwork. With high accuracy, you used to be able to predict when the next phase of the cycle begins and determine when it ends. But now, with our ecosystems becoming more fragile by the season, predicting those changes is harder than ever. The key to stabilizing these unpredictable changes, you must start with your soil.
Your soil is the heartbeat to your garden. Your connection to the earth. It’s the secret sauce that makes your flowers bloom and gives so much life to the world beneath your feet. Yet, many passionate gardeners find themselves standing on the verge of this enchanted realm not quite sure how to unlock its full potential.
This is where you soil journey begins.
According to the NRCS USDA (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/education-and-teaching-materials/soil-facts.) There are over 20,000 different soil types across the US alone. It’s no wonder what there’s not a “one-size fits all” soil solution.
Before you even think of amending your soil, you first need to consider the composition of what you have. This means identifying the percentages of clay, sand, silt, and organic matter (if you’re lucky) that’s present. To do this, you do the JAR TEST. I outlined the step-by-step in the SOIL 101 guide.
Download our SOIL 101 guide to explore different mulch methods, cover crops, soil pH, nutrients, and amendment strategies to get started. There’s lots packed into that 32+ page guide. So, take your time! You are building a new skill.
Your soil is more than just for your plants. If done correctly, your soil can do many things that helps your ecosystem. It can help your plants take carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the soil. Helping fight against climate change. Your soil also feeds and supports the billions of microbes that help unlock key nutrients for your plants when they need it.
To learn how to build healthy soil for your space, always start with what you have. Explore your soil percentages of sand - silt - clay - organic matter (if you're lucky). Understand the pH and nutrients that are present. Identify what plants natively grow, what they need, and what plants grow well with them.
Your soil is unique and to regenerate our ecosystems, we have to work with what's present in our space. When in doubt, you can always contact your local NRCS USDA office – or find state specific info here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state
Soil is the most powerful tool for any gardener or grower. Integrating practices like native mulch, learn how to build compost tea, or grow seasonal cover crops. With a bit of learning and determination, you will find your own beat to your own drum and be in tune with the rhythm of nature.
- Elizabeth -
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