Log Out 
Tips for how to improve your soil
Without healthy soil, plants can’t grow and the planet suffers.
How to improve soil quality:
- Understand the type of soil
- Test for nutrients and pH
- Apply a layer of topsoil
- Use mulch as protective measure
Buy high-quality topsoil from Forward Builders’ Supplies. Browse our selection.
Soil is a key ingredient for a blooming fabulous garden. If it doesn’t have enough oomph in terms of structure and nutrients, then you’re going to have problems.
Let’s explore those tips for how to improve soil quality in detail.
Understanding your soil type
First, you should work out the kind of soil in your garden space.
The main types include:
- Sandy: This will contain particles of sand, and feels looser
- Clay: Dense, and tends to retain moisture
- Silty: Fine particles that are good at moisture retention
- Loam: Perfect for gardening because of its balanced composition, meaning it’s good for drainage
- Chalk: Can be stony, and short on nutrients
- Peat: Rich in organic matter, but harmful to the environment
Want to understand more about different soil types? Then read our previous blog post here.
Testing soil nutrients and pH
Another factor to consider before embarking on soil improvement is working out how acidic (or alkaline) your soil is.
Most plants thrive in soil with a neutral pH of around 6-7, but if you go above 7 and it’s alkaline, or below 6 and it’s acidic, then there are plants which won’t be able to absorb the nutrients they need.
Curious to know more about improving soil’s pH level? We’ve written a blog post here.
Apply a layer of top soil
Not all soils are equal; some might require a little help when it comes to achieving optimum results for your plants.
One way to improve the soil is through the application of topsoil – usually at a depth of two to eight inches.
Not just any soil, topsoil is a nutritious substrate containing the highest concentration of organisms, and can hold and drain water as well as absorb sunlight.
The benefits of topsoil include:
- Helps with water retention and drainage
- It’s packed with essential nutrients
- Will balance pH levels
- Boosts soil density and structure
- Encourages plant growth
- Results in healthier plants, vegetables, and turf
- Levels lawns
Browse Forward Builders’ Supplies’ selection of high-quality topsoil products here.
Using mulch to protect and enrich soil
Mulch is another way to enrich soil. It’s the perfect way to save water, suppress weeds, and improve soil around plants.
Mulch can be organic, such as wood chippings, or inorganic like gravel, and is spread across soil to protect it.
It helps soil retain moisture in summer, rain to penetrate the soil in winter, and prevents weeds from growing.
Forward Builders’ Supplies sells bark mulch as part of its ‘Landscape Bark’ range. Browse here.
Why soil health matters
Soil isn’t just the stuff that gets under your fingernails when you are digging.
It’s a vital resource that’s also a dynamic ecosystem consisting of an incredible concoction of organic matter and minerals.
Healthy soil supports the wellbeing of people (and the planet), and also plays a role in carbon storage, which offsets climate change.
Common soil mistakes to avoid
When considering how to improve soil, you should do a number of things first.
One mistake is not to test the pH levels; another is to over apply your soil amendments. Use only the recommended amount, and always read the instructions on your chosen product.
It’s also vital to ensure you select the correct product for the plants you’re growing.
Indeed, prior to buying any amendment, check its nutrient profile and think about how it fits with your specific soil needs based on the tests you’ve carried out.
Want to learn more? Here’s our guide to match plants correctly with your soil type.
The information below is required for social login
Login
Register
Fill in the form below to create your new account