Hey everyone! We just moved into our first home last fall, and my husband and I are excited to start gardening. Today, we bought some hyacinths and decided to plant them in a spot that looks like it used to be a flower bed, but it had gotten overgrown. While digging in the soil, I noticed a really strong earthy smell—my husband and mom described it as very earthy too. However, I thought it had a fuel-like scent. My sense of smell is ultra-sensitive, so I might be picking up on things they don't notice.
The area has some moss growing, and I know that can sometimes have an odor, especially in wet environments. We live on the East Coast, where it's been quite rainy lately, so the soil has been pretty damp. I didn't notice the smell in other parts of the yard (we also planted a magnolia tree), so I'm curious if this is something to be concerned about. Does anyone have insights on why it might smell so strongly?
5 Answers
Respectfully, you might want to spend more time outside! There are plenty of smells in nature depending on the season. Just be aware that different environments have different scent profiles.
It's possible that some of the plants or even fungi in your yard are causing the strong smell. I have stinkhorn mushrooms at my place, and their scent can be pretty intense—definitely peculiar! So, if you're digging around some strong-smelling plants, they could be releasing their odors. Keep an eye on it, but don't worry just yet!
That sounds like a real possibility. I’ve smelled stinkhorns myself, but it didn’t have a gas-like scent. Just keep watching the plants to see how they do.
Strong smells can sometimes come from fertilizers or pesticides. If you’re worried, I’d suggest doing a pH balance soil test. Alternatively, plant your hyacinths and see if they thrive. Just remember to wash your hands after digging or use gloves until you're sure. Enjoy your new garden!
For sure, I’ll definitely be using gloves! I think the previous owner had a regular landscaper, so that might explain the scent!
If the existing plants are thriving and the soil is good and soft, I wouldn't stress too much. My own yard had a spot that used to be an asphalt drive, and it smelled like petroleum too, but it improved over time as I worked the soil. As long as there isn't any clear negative change, it sounds like microbial activity is just taking place in your soil!
That makes sense! The plants seem to be happy, so I’ll just keep an eye on them. If things start dying off, then I’ll investigate further!
If the soil's been saturated for a while, it can develop anaerobic conditions, which might cause off smells. Try amending the soil for better drainage. Overall, if the soil is soft and the plants are doing well, that’s a good sign!
It’s a bit presumptuous to assume how much I’ve been outdoors. I was asking because this smell was unusual for me, especially with the changes in climate and plants here!