Organic Gardening Part 4: Importance of Soil Health in Organic Gardening

The number one priority in organic gardening is the management of a healthy soil. The soil has a lot of biological life, which need organic matter for their survival. If the soil is healthy, the organisms and plants that are found in the soil will also be healthy subsequently creating healthy human beings and animals as well when they consume the plants from this healthy soil. Therefore, everything starts from the soil. To have a healthy soil there are certain things that must be looked at to enhance its health further. Compost is one major component that soil needs to be healthy. Humus and organic matter help to add to the quality of any soil be it sand or clay. Mixing organic matter now and then mimics the cycle of nature where there is birth, death, decay and rebirth.

Another factor to consider is the soil's ph level and nutrient balance. A soil that has a high or low ph cannot be productive. A lab test will show its ph level and nutrient quality. The need to use only organic fertilizers is very important for the soil in enhancing organic gardening. Constant weeding to remove unwanted plants that deplete nutrients that can be used by useful plants and applying of water regularly also increase the health of the soil. Cultivation must be done correctly. If it is not and the soil becomes compact, which could be harmful to plants. Cover crops can be used, as they are essential to replenishing what is taken from the soil. This way no important nutrients are lost. They can be planted for the sole purpose of going back to the soil after a certain season.