Hey everyone! I'm looking for some guidance on improving the soil quality in my new garden beds. I've just moved into a new build house on what used to be agricultural land. The builder has put down about 12-15 inches of soil, but it feels pretty heavy in some spots. I want to boost it with worms and organic matter, but I'm curious about what kind of organic material worms prefer. Does it need to be fresh, green, and leafy, or can I use mulch, compost, or other soil improvers from the local recycling center?
3 Answers
Worms really seem to enjoy wet paper and cardboard, so don't hesitate to add those into the mix! It’s a great way to provide them with the carbon they need and help break down the soil. Just make sure it’s damp when you toss it in.
I usually like to start off by layering some well-rotted manure into the ground after I dig it up. Following years, I keep adding mulch to keep the nutrients flowing. Since I’m in a heavy clay area too, I also dig out some of the builder soil and replace it with good topsoil, building it up higher so it doesn’t get soggy in winter. It makes a big difference!
Consider growing borage and planting it now! It's a winter crop that helps fix nitrogen in the soil and breaks up hard ground. Once it dies off, you can till it back into the soil. Plus, don’t worry about adding worms, they’ll show up on their own by spring if you provide them with enough food. Farmers swear by this method!
I’ve heard of borage but not much about it. Can someone explain what it really is?