Gardening can be a deeply rewarding activity, but it's not without its challenges, particularly for beginners. Among the many factors that influence plant growth, soil quality is paramount. Unfortunately, common mistakes can deteriorate soil quality, leading to poor plant health and reduced yields.
A healthy garden ecology and adequate nutrient and water uptake are made possible by high-quality soil. However, even with the best intentions, novice gardeners can make mistakes that negatively impact their soil quality. Here are eight mistakes that might be ruining the soil quality in your garden and how to avoid them.
Tilling, or turning over the soil, is a common practice aimed at aerating the soil and mixing in organic matter. However, excessive tilling can break down soil structure, disrupt beneficial soil organisms, and lead to erosion. Over-tilled soil can become compacted and less able to retain moisture and nutrients.
To maintain soil structure, limit tilling to the bare minimum and consider using no-till gardening techniques. Mulching is often overlooked, but it's a critical practice for maintaining healthy soil. Without mulch, soil can suffer from erosion, compaction, large temperature fluctuations, and moisture loss through evaporation.
Mulch helps retain soil moisture by lowering water evaporation on windy and bright winter days. Additionally, mulch can reduce the compacting effect of water from rainfall or irrigation. Both overwatering and underwatering can damage so.