10 Ways to Improve the Soil in your Garden

Have you got your sights set on growing a lot of vegetables this year, although you haven’t had much success previously? Have you taken a look at what it is growing in?

Living in Florida, I came to terms that my sandy soil around my house is not very suitable for growing vegetables. Although it drains like a champ, it doesn’t hold many nutrients or moisture. Certainly not a good environment for vegetables.

You want to have soil that holds moisture but not too much and has nutrients or nutrient-holding capacity. Granted, I could have worked with my own soil by adding organic matter but I prefer the ease of square foot gardening with raised beds where I “make” my soil. 

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This post is not about making your own soil, but working with what you have to improve your soil conditions.

In this Article

• What does ideal soil look like?
• What makes up soil?
• What type of soil do you have?
• What can I do to improve my soil? 
  • Conduct a soil test
  • Add organic matter
  • Mulch your garden beds
  • Practice crop rotation
  • Use cover crops
  • Apply organic fertilizers
  • Avoid over-watering
  • Practice no-till or minimal tillage
  • Incorporate biochar
  • Monitor and adjust

What does ideal soil look like?

Before I talk about how to improve your soil, you need to know a little about soil components. Soil is made of organic matter (i.e. portion of the soil from decaying plant and animal materials) and inorganic minerals (i.e. the proportion of sand, silt, and clay). Ideally, you want to have 45% from minerals, 25% water, 25% air, and 5% organic matter.

If you have too little air, it becomes compacted, and the plant roots will struggle. If it has too much or too little water-holding capacity, the plants may become waterlogged or stressed due to excessive drying. It is important to have the right balance of air, water, and organic matter in the soil for plants to grow well.

What makes up soil?

Each of the soil components has different properties. Sand has large particles and feels gritty when you touch it. It's made up of weathered grains of minerals like quartz. Sand particles don't stick together and have spaces between them, allowing air and water to pass through easily. However, sand doesn't hold onto nutrients very well.

Silt has medium-sized particles and feels silky or powdery, similar to baby powder. It can hold a lot of water and is easily carried away by moving water or wind.

Clay has the smallest particles, and they are like tiny sheet-like crystals. Clay particles can chemically bond with nutrients on their surfaces. Unlike sand and silt, clay particles stick together and form clumps. Clay retains water and nutrients, but it holds onto water tightly, which can sometimes be a problem.

Although not a true soil component, organic matter is super important for making soil productive because it provides nutrients when it breaks down. When organic matter decomposes, it releases nutrients that plants need to grow. It also helps the soil hold onto water and nutrients, which is good for plants. Organic matter is also home to beneficial organisms that break down the matter into usable nitrogen for the plants.

Another property that is important when growing plants is the soil structure. This is how the tiny particles in the soil are arranged. It affects the pore size which ultimately affects how much water the soil can hold and how well the water and air can penetrate the soil. Tilling the soil, heavy machines over the soil and rain can disrupt the soil structure. A good example of this is if you see a clay crust over your soil. The top of soil lacks good soil structure, so it creates wall-to-wall clay particles that forms a lid on your soil.

What type of soil do you have?

Soil is a mix of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. You can generalize your soil type based on its properties and how it feels. Go outside and pick up your soil and roll it around in your hands. Wet it to see if it holds together well. Here are 7 general soil types:

1. Sandy soil: If you have a sandy soil, it will feel gritty. It drains quickly and doesn't hold nutrients well. While it warms up quickly in spring, it requires frequent watering and amending with organic matter to improve its fertility and water retention capabilities.
2. Clayey soil: Clay soil has small, compact particles that can become heavy and sticky when wet and hard when dry. It tends to drain poorly, leading to waterlogged conditions. Clay soil is rich in nutrients but may require amendments such as compost, sand, or gypsum to improve its drainage and structure.
3. Silty soil: Silt soil has smaller particles than sandy soil but larger particles than clay soil. It has a smooth texture and holds moisture better than sandy soil. Silt soil can be fertile and is easier to work with than clay soil, but it may compact easily and may require organic matter to improve its structure.
4. Loam soil: Loam soil is a well-balanced soil type that contains a mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles. It has a crumbly texture, retains moisture well while allowing for proper drainage, and is generally fertile. Loam soil is considered ideal for gardening because it provides a good balance of water retention and aeration.
5. Peat soil: Peat or organic soil is composed primarily of partially decomposed organic matter found in wetland environments. It retains moisture well but can become compacted and may have a slightly acidic pH. Peat soil is often used as a soil amendment rather than the primary soil in gardens due to its tendency to shrink when dry and become waterlogged when saturated.
6. Chalky soil: Chalky soil is alkaline and typically contains a high amount of calcium carbonate. It has a light, stony texture and tends to drain quickly. Chalky soil can be shallow and low in fertility, requiring regular additions of organic matter and acidic amendments to improve its structure.
7. Acidic soil: Acidic soil has a pH level below 7 and is often found in areas with high rainfall. It may be sandy or clayey but lacks essential nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. Acid-loving plants like rhododendrons and blueberries thrive in this type of soil. Adding lime or other alkaline amendments can help raise the pH if necessary. I’ll talk more about pH in the videos about nutrients.

What can I do to improve my soil?

Now that you have a better idea what your soil type is, you can incorporate some of these sustainable soil management practices to improve the Improving your soil in the garden is essential for healthy plant growth and a successful garden. Here are some ways you can improve your soil:

1. Conduct a soil test

Start by testing your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content. Soil test kits are available at garden centers or through agricultural extension offices. The results will help you understand the specific needs of your soil. If you get your test done through the university, you can often contact your local extension agent who will interpret the results for you.

2. Add organic matter

Organic matter is a key component for improving soil structure, fertility, and water retention. Add compost, well-rotted manure, leaf mold, or other organic materials to your soil. Spread a layer of organic matter and work it into the top 6-8 inches of soil.

3. Mulch your garden beds

Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves, to the surface of your garden beds. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually breaks down, enriching the soil. It’s best to apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch.

4. Practice crop rotation

Rotate your crops each year to prevent the depletion of specific nutrients and the buildup of pests and diseases. Different plants have different nutrient requirements, so rotating them helps maintain a balanced soil ecosystem. For instance, growing nitrogen-loving plants like tomatoes one year and nitrogen-fixing plants like beans the next year replenishes the nitrogen levels in the soil naturally. This helps maintain a balanced soil ecosystem and creates an ideal environment for your plants to thrive.

5. Use cover crops

Planting cover crops during fallow periods or over winter can protect the soil from erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter when turned into the soil.

Clover, hairy vetch, and alfalfa fixes nitrogen from the air, enriching the soil with this essential nutrient. It also attracts beneficial insects like pollinators and improves soil structure. Sorghum-Sudangrass has an extensive root system blocking out weeds quickly. Rye is a hardy cover crop that grows quickly and forms a dense cover. Its extensive root system helps break up compacted soil and improves drainage. When turned into the soil, it adds organic matter. Buckwheat is a fast-growing cover crop that excels at suppressing weeds. Its fibrous root system improves soil structure and drainage. Additionally, when in bloom, it attracts beneficial insects like bees.

6. Apply organic fertilizers

If your soil test indicates specific nutrient deficiencies, consider using organic fertilizers. Organic options include composted manure, fish emulsion, bone meal, blood meal, and seaweed extracts. Follow package instructions for application rates.

7. Avoid over-watering

Excessive watering can leach nutrients from the soil. Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Use methods like drip irrigation or soaker hoses to minimize water loss through evaporation.

8. Practice no-till or minimal tillage

Tilling disrupts soil structure and can lead to erosion. Consider adopting no-till or minimal tillage practices to preserve the soil's natural structure and improve its long-term health. You can do this by chopping the previous crop down and leaving the root system or leaving cover crops on the surface of the soil.

9. Incorporate biochar

Biochar is a type of charcoal that can be added to the soil to improve its fertility and water-holding capacity. It also helps sequester carbon dioxide. This means that carbon is locked into the soil rather than being in the air and increasing climate change. Mix biochar into the soil following package instructions. Since biochar doesn’t provide nitrogen or phosphorus, mixing it into compost will provide the maximum benefit.

10. Monitor and adjust

Regularly monitor your garden's soil health by observing plant growth, checking for nutrient deficiencies or excesses, and monitoring moisture levels. Adjust your soil improvement practices accordingly.

Remember that soil improvement is an ongoing process, and it may take time to see significant results. With patience and consistent care, you can gradually improve the quality of your garden soil.

Did you find these tips helpful? Share your top tip to stay motivated on the path of improving your soil in the comments below!

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