Soil improvement and compost systems

Healthy soil is the foundation of a garden. Although many plants prefer specific types of soil in general certain characteristics are preferred. These include good levels of fertility, aeration and a healthy population of worms, bacteria, fungi and other soil-dwelling organisms.

The local geology determines the soil type of our gardens but through the addition of composts, minerals and other organic materials we can create microenvironments for certain types of plants to thrive. As with most natural processes soil is not created equally so five metres from one area in a garden can be quite different to the next in colour, mineral composition, water retention qualities and its ph level.

When creating gardens from scratch we can be in control of the soil as we can build it and test as we go. When working in established gardens the best way to enrich the soil is through the addition of organic matter into the surface layer, in time this compost will be worked into the subsoil by worms and through decomposition.

Through annual additions of the organic matter whether for fertility building or as a mulch, both act great at suppressing weeds and retaining moisture in hotter weather.