Soil, the back-bone of a site’s eco-health

To the novice homeowner, a site is all about plants or buildings but for those that are eco-aware, it is all about soil.

Similar to the concept of a business’s location being the back-bone to its success, adequate soil analysis - the pH content and nutrients both available and lacking in a site’s soil - is the site’s make or break factor.

Initially, a simplistic soil test is adequate. This type of test provides information related to pH content. Measurement occurs on a scale of 1 to 14: one (1) representing the maximum acid content and 14, the maximum alkaline. More advanced testing, available through land grant Universities such as Virginia Tech, is critical for a thorough understanding of soil and its breakdown of content and natural nutrients.

Become aware of a phrase used by organic gardeners, ‘feed the soil, not the plant’. In other words, improve soil content through the amendment of humus: compost, leaf mold, peat, organic matter and aged manure.

Help move your area's landscape from eco-weak to eco-chic. Feed your site’s soil, not plants by annually adding 1/2 to 3 inches of amendments, composted humus/mulch, insuring your area’s soil stability.

What are you doing to improve the soil health of your area? As we move into the planting season, post suggestions. Share what is works-well for you!