Looking after your soil
10 Healthy soil is the foundation of every good garden, so time and money spent on its care and preparation is never, ever wasted.
Why
Mulching improves plant growth by suppressing weeds, adding nutrients, insulating roots from extremes of temperature, and reducing water loss. Healthy, welltended soil often doesn’t need additional nutrients.
‘Hungry’ plants, such as fruiting crops and roses, may benefit from feeding. Fertiliser is made up of nutrients in concentrated form. Organic fertilisers based on natural materials are better for the soil ecosystem than artificial or inorganic ones.
How
All soil types can be improved with well-rotted organic matter, which should be at least six months old. This could be garden compost, manure, composted green waste or bought soil conditioner. Ideally, add about a barrowful per square metre when improving poor ground or creating new beds. Spread this over weed-free soil for worms and soil organisms to take down into the ground.
Making your own garden compost is a great way to not only recycle your garden and food waste, but also save money and grow healthier plants too.
When
Mulch beds and bare soil beneath trees with organic matter, ideally between autumn and spring.
Spread a layer 5-10cm deep, keeping the material clear of plant stems or it could cause rotting. Handy kit
1 Shovel or spade 2 Wheelbarrow
3 Gloves
4 Compost bin
5 Mulch