In order to have a lush green lawn, a beautiful flower garden, or a productive vegetable garden, you need to have good soil, and sadly, it’s getting harder and harder to find good soil. If the topsoil in your yard hasn’t been stripped by developers, it may have been neglected or abused by previous residents, or it just may never have been that good to begin with.
Though they are general not harmful, like chemical herbicides and pesticides, chemical fertilizers are at best o short term solution for a long term problem. The best way to improve the soil’s structure and fertility is by amending it with organic materials. Though the results may not be immediate, you will be rewarded with both a healthier, happier garden and the knowledge that you have done a little good for the earth.
So here are a few tips to you get you on your way to improving your soil health. This week we will focus on improving lawn soil and next week we will focus on improving garden and flower bed soil.
Instead of raking up every single grass clipping or fallen leaf from your lawn, leave a few scattered across the ground. Too many can smother your lawn, but small quantities spread out across the whole area will decompose and enrich the soil, leaving your lawn looking better and healthier and saving you a little work at the same time.
Core aerating your lawn is a great way to loosen compacted soils and improve water absorption and drainage. You can use a commercial service or a rental machine. Lawn aerator shoes are not recommended because the small size of the spikes can actually compact the soil further.
Stay tuned next week to find out how to improve your soil in garden and flower beds. |
