Ashleigh Smith
You may have been told by someone, or read somewhere that you should amend your soils. So what exactly does that mean?
You see, soil is much more than a pile of dirt. Soil is made of different components that come together forming a structure that plants can grow in. Soil is a composition of sand, silt, and clay. The different amounts of each material will cause your soil to behave in specific ways. It’s not like it will throw a fit or anything, you just might have trouble with water draining properly.
Sand, silt, and clay are not the only materials that make up your soil. It actually only accounts for 45% of the Soil components. The rest includes 25% water, 25% air, and approximately 5% organic matter. The combination of these components allows for plants to retrieve nutrients and water in their needed proportions.
The problems come when the actual ratio of your soil is far from the ideal. To help native soils perform better, materials should be added to adjust water holding capacity, drainage, nutrients, and workability.
The most common materials added to reach these goals are organic matter like mulch or compost, fertilizer, and plants such as cover crops.
About the Author
I'm Ashleigh Smith, a native to Northern Utah. I first gained a love of gardening with my grandmother as I helped her each summer. I decided to make a career of it and have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. My studies have focused on plant production while I also have experience in Nursery & Garden Center Operations.
Become a True Leaf Market Brand Ambassador! You’ll enjoy awesome perks, free products and exclusive swag & offers! Help us create a gardening revolution and help others experience the joy of growing!
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
1 comments
Paul
I just terraced off a large garden on our south east facing slope. It has never been gardened, only wild plants were growing. Since I removed top soil to terrace, and it is a clay type soil and it is tillable with a rototiller. Should I add sand and leaves and pine needles to get it started? Fertilizer too?
Further Reading
Cultivating Christmas Traditions
Written By Lara Wadsworth The phrase “Christmas time is here!” will soon echo through your speakers and messaging all around. Most American families, regardless of religion, seem to be celebrating this massive holiday in one way or another. Some may fo...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-11-268 min read0Giving Tuesday: Turning Gratitude Into Action
There are a million ways to make the world better. But nothing can happen without action. The best way to make a difference is to start serving, donating, and seeing the people who are within your reach. Big, honorable stories often begin with someone ...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-11-193 min read0Giving Thanks: The Origins and Traditions of Thanksgiving
Written By Lara Wadsworth One of the most quintessential American holidays is Thanksgiving. With families gathered together, sharing copious amounts of food, and many groups watching either football or televised parades, it is hard to see the true orig...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-11-158 min read1Power Up with Nutrient-Dense Superfoods to Optimize Your Health
Written By Lara Wadsworth Everyone is looking for the easiest and quickest ways to be healthy. Yet, everyone seems to have a different opinion about what that means and how to get there. Superfoods are those few foods that are scientifically backed by ...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-11-158 min read1