Garden Soil

Generally refers to the top layer of earth outdoor, also known as Top Soil. It's the natural soil consisting of a mix of mineral particles (like sand, silt, and clay). 

 

Top Soil should always be prepared and mixed with other components before you plant your vegetable plants.

 

Preparing a Soil Mix

See our blog on Best Soil for Growing Vegetables for detailed recipe of how to mix Compost, Perlite and Worm Castings to create an ideal soil mix for growing your vegetables.

 

Compost

Compost is decomposed organic plant matter. It can include kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, fruit waste, coffee grounds, and garden waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and small branches.

• Enriches soil with nutrients.
• Improves soil structure and water retention.
• Supports beneficial microorganisms.

 

How to Use: Mix compost into your garden soil before planting. It works over a long term, continuing to decompose and very slowly releasing nutrients into the soil. 

 

Manure

Manure is animal waste that has been composted and aged to make it suitable for use as a fertiliser. Common sources include cows, horses, chickens, and rabbits.

• Provides essential nutrients.
• Improves soil texture and water retention.
• Encouraging microbial activity in the soil.

 

How to Use: Mix well-aged manure into the soil in the fall or early spring, allowing it to break down further before planting. Unlike compost, it provides immediate nutrients to plants and improves soil structure. Be caution not to use too much as it is potent and can burn the plants.

 

Mulch

Mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of the soil to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. It can be organic (e.g., straw, wood chips, leaves) or inorganic (e.g., plastic sheeting, gravel).

• Reduces water evaporation from the soil.
• Prevents weed growth.
• Protects soil from extreme temperatures.

 

How to Use: Spread mulch around plants, leaving some space around the stems to prevent rot.

 

Perlite

Perlite is a volcanic glass that has been heated until it expands into a light, porous material. It is commonly added to soil mixes to improve aeration and drainage.

• Increases soil drainage.
• Promotes root growth by enhancing soil aeration.
• Helps maintain a lightweight soil mix.

 

How to Use: Mix perlite with potting soil or garden soil to improve its structure and drainage capacity.

 

Worm Castings (Vermicast)

Worm castings, also known as vermicast, are the nutrient-rich excrement of earthworms. They are an excellent organic fertiliser and soil conditioner.

• Rich in essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
• Improves soil structure and water retention.
• Enhances plant growth and health.
  
  

How to Use: Incorporate worm castings into the soil or use them as a top dressing around plants.

 

Vermicompost

Vermicompost is the product of the composting process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms. It consists of worm castings, decomposed organic matter, and other materials. Similar benefits to the Compost and Manure.

How to Use: Add vermicompost to potting mixes, garden beds, or use it as a top dressing around plants.

 

Peat Moss

Peat moss is a type of partially decomposed organic matter found in peat bogs. It’s commonly used to improve soil structure and moisture retention in potting mixes and garden beds.
 

Peat-free: Some products you may find advertise as peat-free. The benefit of being peat-free is purely for environmental considerations, as peat plays important role in nature and takes many years to create.

 

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are essential nutrients that plants need in small quantities for growth and development. Examples include iron, zinc, manganese, and copper.

 

Microorganisms

Soil microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes that live in the soil. They play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and maintaining soil fertility.

 

Now you are ready to experiment with different techniques and materials to find what works best for your garden. Happy gardening!