Improving the soil is the foundation of organic gardening and farming. Strengthen the soil and plants will thrive because, like plants, soil is also a living organism.

The ideal fertile soil, called loam, is composed of 25% air and 25% water along with 45% clay, silt, and sand in equal proportions, and 5% organic matter. For plants to grow they need air, water, a porous medium for root expansion, and food. Food is provided by organic matter supplemented with natural fertilizers and mineral amendments. Organic matter and its supplements are converted into useful plant nutrients by what is known as the decay cycle. Earthworms, ground beetles, and millipedes start the cycle by ingesting and breaking down organic matter and minerals into smaller particles to be used by soil micro-organisms then process these particles into simple proteins and carbohydrates to be picked up by plant root hairs as food. Later, as these soil creatures die and decay, their bodies contribute to the overall content of the soil.

Besides providing plant fuel, organic matter serves other functions as well. In less than ideal soils it adds substance to sand and loosens clay. It also retains moisture in tiny reservoirs, increases drainage between soil particles in extremely wet conditions, improves air flow, and attracts earthworms and other beneficial soil life.

Organic matter originates from four primary sources: decaying plants and their roots already existing in the soil, mulch, cover crops, and compost.

Like leaves and compost on a forest floor, mulch placed around plants retards weeds, holds moisture, modifies soil temperatures, prevents erosion, and gradually decomposes into the soil as additional organic matter. Excellent sources of mulch are burlap, cardboard, compost, leaves, non-colored paper, pine needles, shredded bark, and straw.

Cover crops or green manure grown in topsoil help break up dense soils, bring mineral deposits to the surface, control erosion and loss of soil nutrients, add nitrogen in the case of legumes, choke out weeds and attract beneficial insects. Good cover crop sources include alfalfa, barley, buckwheat, clover, corn salad, fava beans, field peas, oats, soybeans, tyfon, vetch, winter rye, and wheat.

Finished compost (or humus) is decomposed organic material. When turned into the soil it goes right to work as organic matter. Besides enriching the soil, compost also recycles what would otherwise be considered home and yard waste. Composting transforms waste into a valuable resource, saves money in lower garbage and dump fees, and reduces landfills. Also keep in mind that compost alone is only a soil amendment and not a fertilizer source. Compost works best when supplemented with fertilizer either as the pile is being built or later added to the soil.

Container Gardening

• Allow two gallons of container size for every foot of plant height (e.g. a two foot high plant will need a four gallon pot.)
• Many plants grow quickly and may become root bound in a short time, so select a pot large enough for future growth.
• Down To Earth's Potting Soil has adequate drainage material, so it is not necessary to add rocks or broken pottery pieces to the inside bottom of the containers.
• Keep the soil slightly moist. Water when needed once or twice a week during the summer and once a month during the winter. Do not over water.
• To regulate green growth and encourage more flowers add a dry powdered fertilizer when planting and a liquid fertilizer thereafter as needed.