How to improve soil health?

[Akanksha]

It’s no secret that we need rich, healthy soil to grow happy and productive plants.

But what can we do improve soil health and ensure it is able to provide our plants with the nourishment they need?

I was thinking about this question this week, as the United Nations marked its annual World Soil Day – a day that raises awareness of the importance of healthy soil and advocates for the sustainable management of soil resources.

At Bunnings Workshop, we've had several discussions related to improving soil health, including creating compost and worm farms.

Garden expert @Noelle has also shared some excellent related guides, including How to determine soil health and How to choose the right soil for your plants.

I'm keen to know though - what are some of the best tips and tricks you've learnt about nourishing your soil? Feel free to share by replying below.

Tagging some members to kickstart the discussion: @Adam_W, @Nham, @mich1972, @homeinmelbourne, @Remarka6le 

Akanksha

[mich1972]

Here in Perth we have very sandy soils throughout the suburbs. Bassendean Sands - Grey , hydrophobic, lifeless sand. Australian Native plants adapt to this soil but to grow a reasonably healthy garden, especially an Edible Garden, you do need to regularly improve the soil for good health and nourishment for your plants to grow. I always  add animal manure to encourage Earthworms and good soil Microorganisms . I always love to use Triple C which is a mix of Corn Canola and Chicken Manure. This is a beautiful Mulch BUT over time breaks down into a feeding Compost which our plants thrive on. Again feeding and encouraging Earthworms and Good Microorganisms. Our grey sands are extremely hydrophobic and as you water , it just doesn’t seep down into the root system, it pools up the top and runs off. I regularly add a Granular Wetting Agent to help draw down the water to the plants root system. Unfortunately you can’t do it once and forget about it, you do need to keep up with it, in Spring and in Summer. This is just what I do, everyone may do it differently. 😃

[BradN]

Hi @Akanksha. I try to improve the soil in my garden beds with home-made compost.

The only slight problem is that I don't always allow the compost to compost long enough to break down all the seeds from our fruit and vegetable scraps. Anywhere I spread it I end up with tomato and cucumber seedlings pushing up through the mulch.

Some of the cucumber seedlings in one ornamental bed have been growing so vigorously that my partner and I gave them a trellis. They're climbing quickly but it remains to be seen whether we will get any decent cucumbers from them. They're in a spot that doesn't get loads of direct sun.

There's never a dull moment in the garden!

Brad