I've realized that not all dirt is suitable for plants, especially the raw sidewalk dirt I've got. I'm curious if I can improve it by adding organic stuff like banana peels, eggshells, leaves, or manure. Would that help turn the dirt into quality soil? Also, how long would this transformation take? I've heard mixed opinions about how quickly dirt can become fertile. Thanks for your help, Reddit!
2 Answers
That sounds like a form of composting! You can definitely mix those organic materials into your sidewalk dirt, but it may take a few months for everything to break down properly. The goal is to allow the microbes to do their thing without burning your plants' roots. If you're in a hurry to garden, consider mixing in some store-bought compost and topsoil to speed things up.
Sidewalk dirt can vary a lot! The darker stuff is usually better for plants. You could also check out ant hills and gather some fine tree mulch from your neighbors. Just make sure it’s all good before using it!
So you're suggesting I do a little 'fence hopping' for better soil? ?
Yeah, trench composting could help, but make sure the dirt is good quality!