Getting Creative With Landscaping

If you're an avid gardener, you know a thing or two about soil. At its core, gardening isn't about plants at all; it's about the soil that sustains the life of your garden. And just like humans, each plant has its own unique set of requirements to thrive. Take a look at five essential soil supplies to help produce nutrient-rich soil, from fertilizers to soil amendments, so that you can give your plants their best chance to grow and flourish.

Compost

Compost is an excellent source of soil nutrients and vital organic matter. Made from a blend of kitchen scraps, grass and leaves, it acts as a slow-releasing fertilizer, encouraging microorganisms and earthworms to break down the soil further. You can incorporate compost into the soil as an amendment or add it to plants directly as mulch. The benefit of using compost is that you can add it to any type of soil for improved soil health. 

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is a common soil supplement used by gardeners to keep plants happy and healthy. Fertilizers are typically labelled with three numbers. They represent the percentage of the three primary nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in the fertilizer. Nitrogen assists in promoting leafy growth, while phosphorus supports strong root development, and potassium enhances fruit and flower production. You can apply commercial fertilizers to your plants, which can be incorporated into the soil.

Lime

Lime is a wonderful soil amendment that helps to raise the soil's pH level. It's perfect for gardens with acidic soil and makes for a more favourable environment for microbial activity and nutrient uptake. Lime allows for microbial activity in the soil, allowing it to break down organic matter faster and speed up nutrient formation. Be sure to test your soil's pH level before adding lime, and follow the instructions regarding application rates.

Peat Moss

If you have heavy soil, incorporating peat moss into the soil can act as a game-changer. It's organic matter that springs into action to aerate the soil, improve drainage, and enhance microbial activity. Peat moss doesn't contain its nutrient profile, but it still offers an excellent way to improve soil structure without adding particular nutrients. Since it's slow to decompose, peat moss can last several years before requiring replacement, making it an affordable way to boost soil health.

Manure

Manure is at the heart of organic farming and serves as an excellent soil amendment. It's a natural source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and it's been used for centuries to improve soil fertility. It can be challenging to handle and transport, but the resulting increase in crop yields makes it well worth the effort. 

There are countless other soil supplies that you can use to improve soil health and keep your plants growing strong. This list of five essentials, however, acts as a starting point for any garden enthusiast's journey into the world of soil supplements. Using these natural formulas, you can transform your soil into a nutrient-rich foundation for your garden, one that will reap the rewards for seasons to come. So, whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting, focus on building nutrient-rich soil, and your plants will thank you for it.

Contact a local company to learn more about soil supplies.