I'm new to gardening, and my soil has never had any amendments. I have 'normal' soil, and I've planted quite a bit this year. Should I be adding something to help my plants thrive? The options are overwhelming, so I'm looking for some guidance on what to use. Thanks!
5 Answers
First off, there's really no such thing as "normal" soil; it can vary from clay to sandy and everything in between. A good move is to add organic matter, like some quality compost, depending on what you want to grow. Different plants have different needs, so knowing your soil type and plants can help a lot!
Mulch is basically decayed organic matter, like compost. Regularly using a layer of mulch can really help enrich your soil and improve its texture. Fertilizer adds nutrients, and there are tons of options. Just remember: mulching and feeding your plants can be simple, so don’t overthink it!
If you're relying on 'normal' soil, make sure it's not too clay-heavy or too sandy. Don’t overspend on fancy fertilizers; over-fertilizing can actually damage plants. I suggest starting a compost bin at home for a nutritious spring mulch and, if you're up for it, grow some comfrey to make a natural fertilizer!
Understanding your existing plants is super helpful, too. If you have an established garden, there’s probably already a lot of organic matter in the soil. For now, just grab some standard compost to put around your plants; it can suppress weeds and provide nutrients as it breaks down. Remember, gardening is all about trial and error—experiment a bit and see what works!
Anything is better than nothing, so I’d suggest sticking to organic options. Making your own compost is great, and chicken pellets can be a good starter fertilizer! Just keep it simple.