Soil is the foundation that is ultimately responsible for a
healthy garden. And so, what better time to cover soil that after a
long, hot summer? Fall is the perfect time to replenish your
garden
”
dirt
”
by adding organic matter to your beds.
Soil is the foundation that is ultimately responsible for a healthy garden. And so, what better time to cover soil that after a long, hot summer? Fall is the perfect time to replenish your garden “dirt” by adding organic matter to your beds.
You’ve probably heard the term “organic matter” before. This is the “living soil” that is necessary for plants to grow. During the decomposition process, fungi binds small particles into larger aggregates that further improves the structure, aeration and water infiltration in soil.
Organic matter can help reshape the large cavities in soils and thus aid in the retention of water and fertilizer nutrients.
If I haven’t lost you yet, let it be said that you can add organic compost into your garden beds by simply going to your nearby box store and buying bags of composted products. Local rockeries also have organic compost available by the yard for hauling with your own truck (delivery costs about $50 extra).
Other examples of organic matter include plant trimmings, grass cuttings, shredded fall leaves, household compost (from the compost bin) and aged/composted manure. However, such organic matter often takes up to six months in a compost pile or bin before it’s ready to apply.
The process of amending this organic matter into your garden is relatively simple. You need to dig the bed to be improved by turning over the top 8 to 10 inches (one spade depth). Spread a three to four-inch layer of organic matter, such as compost, and mix it thoroughly into the top 10 to 12 inches of the soil. This is most easily done with a rototiller, but it can be done by hand if the area your replenishing is small.
Locally, we usually have to deal with soil that is too clay-like. You know what that’s like: Soil that turns into mud when it becomes saturated, soil that when rolled into a ball will suddenly become a lethal weapon. Clay soils are very good at holding onto fertilizer nutrients, but tend to pack down and exclude the necessary air to roots. Organic matter will help “fluff” such soil up, making it easier for roots to grow and develop.
We are lucky in the fact that at this time of year we can also add other organic materials common to our area without fear of hot weather “burning” surrounding plants. This includes steer manure, horse manure and Morgan Hill’s own mushroom compost. Mushroom compost is available very inexpensively from several mushroom growers in Morgan Hill. Call to make inquiries, but you can usually shovel your own on any weekday for a nominal fee.
Amending your soil will do wonders for newly planted specimens. You’ll find they not only will grow faster and better, but you’ll probably be fertilizing and spraying less often, too.
Learn to work with nature and you will save yourself a lot of time, money and grief.
