00:00Have you ever wondered why some plants struggle to grow while others thrive?
00:05It all starts with the soil beneath their roots.
00:08Basically, poor soil grows poor plants, but good soil grows great plants.
00:14So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out,
00:18improving your soil's health is key to unlocking the full potential of your garden,
00:23whether it be in the ground, in containers, or in raised beds.
00:27Hi, this is Amy from Gardening Know How,
00:30and we will share our expert tips to help you achieve healthier, nutrient-rich soil
00:35to support robust plant growth and boost your harvest.
00:40Before we begin, did you know that playing in the dirt can actually make you happy?
00:44It's true. Certain bacteria in the soil act as a natural antidepressant,
00:49raising your levels of serotonin, lowering your stress, and making you feel more relaxed and happier.
00:56These soil microbes and their effect on human health have been studied and found to be verifiable.
01:02So, this is your excuse to take the time and energy to improve your soil.
01:06Just play in the dirt and improve your mood.
01:09Now it's time to dig in.
01:11The first step in amending your soil is to test it.
01:14A soil test will give you valuable information about your soil's pH level, nutrient content, and organic matter.
01:22You can purchase a soil test from a garden center or online, or you can send a sample of your
01:27soil to a lab for analysis.
01:30To take a sample, use a trowel to take thin slices of soil from various areas of the garden.
01:37Mix the soil samples, then allow the blend to dry, and then place it into the appropriate container or bag.
01:43If you want a better idea of your soil texture, an at-home mason jar soil test can be performed.
01:50Take a quart jar with a tight-fitting lid and add soil from several different areas of the garden.
01:57Be sure to take the samples from 8 to 10 inches below the soil level.
02:01Add clear water to fill the jar about 3 quarters full, then add a teaspoon of liquid dish soap.
02:08Secure the lid and shake the jar for at least 3 minutes.
02:11Let sit for 24 to 48 hours.
02:14The heaviest material, including gravel or coarse sand, will sink to the bottom.
02:19Above that will be smaller sand and silt particles, with clay at the top.
02:24As you can see here, my soil is a mix of many materials, including sand and clay.
02:30Our second tip is to increase the organic matter in your soil.
02:34We've learned that plants thrive in nutrient-rich soil, but as they grow, they deplete the soil of its nutrients.
02:41One of the best and most common ways to increase organic matter is to amend your soil with compost or
02:47aged manure.
02:48Some gardeners will claim that compost should only be spread atop the soil and not mixed in,
02:53as digging may disturb the delicate balance of the soil.
02:56However, amending heavy clay or sandy soils with compost will enhance the soil enough to warrant such disruption.
03:05If your soil has a good texture though, you can simply spread the compost on the surface.
03:10Apply your compost in the spring, between successive crops, and in the fall.
03:15You can usually find good quality compost at your local garden center, greenhouse, or farm supply shop.
03:21You'll likely find stacks and stacks of bag compost, manures, and other amendments.
03:27Just be sure to confirm the contents of the bag and assure that it is weed-seed-free.
03:33Some larger garden centers may even offer these amendments by the cubic yard, saving you money by buying in bulk.
03:40Or, better yet, start your own compost.
03:42Kitchen scraps, garden debris, leaves, grass clippings, and even used coffee grounds can all be placed in a pile,
03:50while you patiently wait for its transformation into what gardeners call black gold.
03:56The third way to improve your soil's tilth, and ultimately your plant's health, is to repair any issues with drainage.
04:03Good soil should consist of 50% organic material, 25% air space, and 25% water space.
04:11Soil that remains compacted may result in stunted root growth, decreased yields, and poor drainage.
04:18Both compost and well-rotted manures can improve the arrangement of the soil's particles.
04:24This will create a well-aerated soil that will allow excess water to drain away more efficiently,
04:30reducing the risk of water logging and improving overall soil drainage.
04:35We've discussed the process of mixing compost into the soil to improve its overall quality.
04:41But how do you improve the soil of established plants without disrupting the root system?
04:45The answer is mulch.
04:48That same compost can be used as a mulch layer atop established beds to add nutrients,
04:53and in time, improve soil structure.
04:56Another type of mulch that works well on landscape plants is finely ground pine bark mulch.
05:01It helps to retain soil moisture while adding nutrients and pore space back to the soil.
05:07Pine bark tends to be more acidic, so if you use large amounts as a soil amendment or mulch,
05:12you may want to monitor the pH levels depending on the types of plants you are growing.
05:17Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch annually to improve soil, suppress weeds, and retain moisture.
05:24The fifth and final way to improve your soil is with the right kinds of plants.
05:29Native plants can assist with pore soil, wet soil, clay soil, and soil in need of erosion control.
05:35One of the reasons they can adapt so freely is because of their deep root systems.
05:40Deep roots not only anchor the plants well into the soil, but they also help to break up heavy clay
05:45soils.
05:45And speaking of deep roots, many pretty perennial plants are also known for their long root systems,
05:51including butterfly weed, baptisia, bugbane, and lupines.
05:58Before we go, I wanted to mention a few common plants that actually prefer the poorest of poor soils.
06:06This means your natural native soil will do.
06:09In fact, they will put on their best show in non-fertile, non-amended soil.
06:13Plus, these plants are typically very easy to grow and include favorites such as lavender, sedum, blanket flower, yarrow, and
06:22even common milkweed.
06:24And there you have it, 5 tips to amend your garden soil to ensure that your plants have the best
06:30possible start in life.
06:31So what's your go-to soil amendment? Let us know in the comments below.
06:36Be sure to subscribe to our channel for more helpful tips on gardening
06:39and visit our website at gardeningknowhow.com to learn even more.
06:44Now it's time to get out there, get your hands dirty, and get started on that path to healthy soil.
06:49Thanks for watching and happy gardening!
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