Gardening isn’t just about planting seeds and watering plants; it’s about nurturing the soil that supports them. One key to successful gardening lies in the health and vitality of the soil – that’s where organic soil conditioner comes into play.
In this guide, we’ll dig into the benefits of soil conditioner and how to use soil conditioner to make your garden or outdoor space thrive!
What is soil conditioner?
So, what is soil conditioner? Basically, soil conditioners, or soil improvers, help to improve the overall quality and structure of soil by increasing aeration, water retention and nutrients. Having better soil leads to healthier plants and improved growth – win-win!
Benefits of Organic Soil Conditioner
Let’s look into the benefits of soil conditioners in a bit more detail:
- Improves soil structure: Organic soil conditioner enhances soil structure by increasing its ability to hold water and nutrients. This improves drainage in clay soils and increases moisture retention in sandy soils, creating a perfect environment for plant roots to thrive.
- Increases nutrients: By adding organic matter to the soil, organic soil conditioner helps bind essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, preventing them from leaching away and making them more readily available to plants. This not only helps to promote healthier plants, it also reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers.
- Promotes soil biodiversity: By using organic soil conditioners, you can create a diverse ecosystem of beneficial microorganisms within the soil. These organisms play vital roles in breaking down organic matter, improving soil fertility, and suppressing plant diseases
How to use soil conditioner
It’s not usually a simple case of adding any old soil conditioner to your soil and leaving it to work its magic. There are some steps to follow to ensure you are making the most out of your soil conditioners:
Assess your soil: Before applying any soil conditioner, assess the condition of your soil. Is it clay-like, sandy, or lacking in organic matter? Understanding what soil you are working with will help you choose the right type and amount of conditioner.
Choose the right soil conditioner: Select a soil conditioner that suits your soil type and gardening goals. If your soil is quite sandy, then a soil conditioner that helps to improve water retention is needed, or if it is compacted and clay-like, then a soil conditioner to help with drainage is what you will need.
Prepare the soil: Clear the area of any weeds or debris and loosen the soil with a garden fork. This will create a welcoming environment for the soil conditioner to mix well with the existing soil.
Apply the soil conditioner: Spread a layer of soil conditioner evenly over the prepared soil surface. The thickness of the layer will depend on the condition of your soil and the specific recommendations for the conditioner you’re using. Aim for a depth of 1 to 3 inches for most soil conditioners.
Mix the soil: Use a rake or garden fork to mix the soil conditioner into the top few inches of soil. Work methodically, mixing the conditioner thoroughly with the soil to ensure uniform distribution. This will help maximise its benefits and promote even plant growth.
Water well: After mixing in the soil conditioner, water the soil deeply to help settle it in and to help activate microbial activity. This will kickstart the decomposition process and aid nutrient release, setting the stage for healthy plant growth!
Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye on your garden bed or container plants as they grow. Monitor soil moisture levels and adjust watering as needed to ensure ideal conditions for plant growth. Over time, continue to replenish the soil with organic matter to maintain soil health and fertility.
Organic Soil Conditioners from Earth Cycle
We love helping you grow healthy plants and vegetables! We have a range of organic soil conditioners available to help you create a thriving outdoor space or allotment.
Our Compost Soil Conditioner is an ideal all-rounder for your gardening needs. If you have some beds and borders, then try our Beds and Borders Compost Soil Conditioner. Or, if you want to grow a healthy crop of veggies, our Vegetable Compost Soil Conditioner is the perfect soil improver for you.
We offer bulk bags of soil conditioner which can be delivered curbside across the UK. And better still – we offer free delivery too. Order your bulk bag online today and let’s get growing!
