Tips for keeping your soil nutrient rich
A nutrient rich soil is something that all gardeners want. Whether the nutrient rich soil is for a flower garden or a vegetable garden doesn't matter. Having and keeping a nutrient rich soil will greatly benefit anything that you decide to plant on that soil. We will look at some tips for keeping your soil nutrient rich after defining which nutrients are best for any soil.
First you need to know what type of nutrients you garden may need. Most gardens need three primary nutrients used by plants which are nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Your soil will need all three of these to stay nutrient rich.
Nitrogen will help with the plants leaf and stem growth. In a nutrient rich soil nitrogen is available to plants by a bacteria that will convert nitrogen into a form plants can use call nitrates. Nitrogen is used quickly and does not stay in the soil very long. The nitrogen is used by both your plants and any decaying matter that may be in the soil. Nitrogen can be washed out of your soil quickly but an excess of nitrogen cause more leaf and stem growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
Phosphorus is another nutrient that is very important to your soil in your gardens. Phosphorus is responsible for root growth. Flowering bulbs and root crops will always need phosphorus in the soil that they grow in. Bone meal is often recommended for bulbs planted in the fall because of the need for phosphorus. Phosphorous is also crucial for producing flowers. Fertilizers with high phosphorus content are sold for their claim to be flower boosters.
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Potassium is the third nutrient needed for a nutrient rich soil. This nutrient is needed for overall health of the plant. Potassium will not only keep your plants immune system healthy but it will also keep your plants growing. Potassium is also easily washed away and needs to be replenished every once in awhile to keep the potassium in the soil.
How do you get and keep these three main nutrients in your gardening soil? You can add pre-made fertilizers to your garden soils to keep it nutrient rich. You can buy many of these fertilizers at your local nurseries. The employees will be able to help you find the right fertilizers for your soil. You can bring in samples of your soil so they will be able to find a close to perfect match for your soil.
You can also keep your soil nutrient rich by using organic matter in your gardening soil. Organic matter put simply is a decaying plant or animal material that aids your soil in producing needed nutrients. Organic matter is most commonly compost or manure, either green or anima. Organic matter is easy to come by and most likely free. It should be a resource that is taken advantage of. Organic matter also contains acids that will help your plants make roots more permeable which means that your plants will improve their uptake of water and other nutrients.
Add mulch to the gardens soil. Let the mulch rot to produce many of the above named nutrients. As the mulch rots the nutrients will soak into the soil fertilizing your existing plants. Remember to apply any fine textured mulch in a thin layer to decrease the chances of clumping. Use your mulch in well drained areas so that it does not become a breeding ground for bugs and pests which can ruin your garden.
Use compost on your gardens to keep or increase the nutrient content of the soil. You can buy compost or make your own. Compost is very much like organic matter. The definition of compost is a mixture of decayed plants or other organic matter. You can find out how to make your own compost in gardening books or on-line.
You can also add worms to your gardens to help make the soil nutrient rich. Worms will help with the compost and anything that may be in the soil. You can buy worms off the internet or at local garden stores.
Having and keeping a nutrient rich soil can be easy once you learn what your garden needs. Look at your plants and see where they may be having a hard time. Check with your local garden stores for fertilizers that will help your plants grow better. Make your own composts or mulch to help improve and keep the nutrients in your soil.
