As any avid gardener might tell you, the real key to a green thumb is having a healthy garden soil. And developing a rich, healthy soil doesn’t have to be complicated. In the next seminar of our Urban Homesteader series, Composting + Soil Health, we’ll cover all the basics – to help you grow a more beautiful, thriving garden.
What Makes a Healthy Soil?
Healthy soil is not inert. It’s a dynamic ecosystem – including both living and non-living components. Healthy soils have a porous structure that encourages easy root growth and allows air to freely interact with the plants’ roots. And it holds just enough moisture to keep plants thriving while letting the excess water drain away – so the roots don’t rot. There’s also organic matter in healthy soil that provides food for the legion of beneficial microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and protozoa) and larger organisms (earthworms, nematodes, and insects) who break down these materials into simple nutrients that plants can use.
Feeding Your Soil
The best way to improve all aspects of your soil’s health is by adding compost – a dark, earthy soil amendment created by the decomposition of organic materials such as lawn clippings, leaves, and vegetable scraps. Compost can be purchased, but in our seminar, Plant Care team member Woody Wood will discuss the basics of creating your own supply. She’ll talk about the “green” and “brown” organic materials you can use – or shouldn’t use – to build the layers of your compost. She’ll also share tips to maintain your compost pile so it can work its magic – transforming into that beautiful, rich material that gardeners like to call “black gold.” Composting is easier than you might think and so worth the effort when you see the miraculous effect it has on your garden’s health and productivity.
Join Us at the Seminar
At our seminar on June 2nd, at 9am, Woody will share all her best tips to help you build your own healthy garden soil. In addition to learning how to compost, you’ll also learn how to choose the right fertilizer and soil amendments for your garden. Woody is an engaging speaker who knows a lot about the important relationship between healthy soil and healthy plants – and she has a passion for sharing that knowledge with fellow gardeners. Come join us for another informative seminar we think you’ll enjoy!
