Soil

There are many parts of soil that are important to know about when gardening. Here are a few basics that you should consider.

1.    What does it smell like? Does it smell dusty, like manure, or weird? Or earthy, like decomposing wood?

2.    What does it feel like?

Healthy soil crumbles easily and holds its shape when slightly compressed. Rich soil has rounder aggregates, allowing water and air to move more easily around plants’ roots. If your soil is difficult to break apart, you have a hard soil problem. If your soil is hard, water will have a harder time absorbing and it will be hard to work in. In contrast, sandy soil sifts through your fingers easily. It does not hold nutrients very well but drains very well.

Soil that is rich in organic matter tends to be darker, crumbly, and smell earthy. This soil grows food well.

3.    What does it look like?

Look at the soil structure. When you dig down in your soil does it have pockets of air, decomposing matter, and streaks of white from fungi? These are all good signs. Healthy soil also includes plenty of underground animal and plant activity, like worms fungi, and rollie pollies.

4.    What type of soil do you have?

If you would like to see what type of soil you have try this at-home soil test from Clemson University. It is easy to do and rather fun!

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/soil-texture-analysis-the-jar-test/

Soil typing in the Plowgirl Farm Soil Workshop.

 5.    Soil tests are important. If you want to start your garden out right the best thing to do is get a simple soil test.

I highly recommend RX Soil https://rxsoil.com/nutrients

This company will test your soil and send you the results for $45. This is a steal of a deal, as I have previously paid $75 for any soil test. They gave me a 10% off code for anyone who buys with this code: plowgirl. Get the nutrients test and choose the organic option. Be sure to specify what you plan to grow in the soil you are having tested- I always say a vegetable garden.

Soil is the most important part of growing a productive garden. Remember that growing food takes a lot out of your soil every year and it is important to continue to add compost and any suggestions your soil test gives you if you would like to continue growing beautiful, healthy food.