Probably the best thing one can do for the garden is to incorporate organic matter in the form of humus into your soil. Humus is very decomposed organic matter that was added to the soil in the form of compost when your garden was installed. Since organic matter is always in the process of decomposing, it is a good idea to add compost to your garden on a regular basis. This can be accomplished by adding a 1-2” layer as a top dressing to your planting beds in early spring. If you are feeling energetic, it can be worked into the top few inches of your soil to hurry the integration process along. Compost can be purchased at any good garden center, the more complex the original sources of the compost the better. You can also make your own by starting a compost pile. To learn more about composting, consult publications on the subject or attend a workshop offered by your city, Common Ground, Gamble Garden Center or Strybing Arboretum. Recycle those kitchen scraps and garden clippings into beautiful, rich brown, sweet smelling compost!

The inorganic mineral components of soil are roughly broken down into sand, silt, and clay. Generally, the soils in our area are composed of fairly small clay particles, and this can create problems such as poor drainage, sticky mud in winter and cement hard “dirt” in the summer. On the positive side, clay soil is full of nutrients. Adding organic matter to clay will lighten its dense texture allowing both water and air to penetrate. Minerals can be added to the soil in the form of rock powder available at any good garden supply center.

The soil’s gross organic matter is further decomposed by the activity of the relatively large microbial life forms. Worms, spiders, sow bugs, nematodes, ants, etc. are constantly improving your soil by tilling, chewing, eating, and transporting organic matter. Smaller microbial life forms, mainly fungi and bacteria, break these now smaller organic particles down into their basic components. These are then mixed with air and water to become the nutrients that are taken up by the plants through their root systems. These beneficial soil organisms are harmed by over fertilization and the use of “broad spectrum” insecticides and fungicides. If you feel that you must use these products, take the time to find a product targeted to your specific problem, otherwise you will also be killing your friends!