Herbs are happy-go-lucky plants that are extremely accommodating with their basic needs. However, treating it right will yield amazing rewards. Preparing the best soil for growing herbs is one such step in the right direction.
Understanding Garden Soil Basics
Garden soil is made up of substances such as clay, sand, loam, silt, and peat in varying proportions. It consists of 50 percent solids, which is a combination of organic and inorganic matter. Inorganic matter comprises of clay, silt, and sand, a ratio of 20:40:40 of which is considered the ideal soil for an herb garden. Organic matter is decaying material like sawdust, hay, and cover crops used to enrich the soil.
Testing your Native Garden Soil
Reworking your garden soil before new plantings is the best way to grow healthy herbs. Testing the soil for pH (acid-alkaline) balance, concentrations of clay, sand, and silt will help determine the right organic matter to use to improve the soil. Ribbon test involves taking little bit of soil and rolling it back and forth in your hands. Soil that sticks together indicates high level of clay. On the other hand, if it disintegrates easily the soil probably has lots of sand.
Fine-Tuning the Herb Garden Soil
Clay soil does not drain well while sandy soil does not retain the required amount of nutrients. Adding compost solves both the problems of drainage and nutrients. High level of pH indicating most alkaline or sweet is the preferred level for herbs. pH levels can be raised by adding ground dolomitic limestone, which is harmless to the plants. Ammonium sulphate can be used to lower the pH balance.
Magic Potions
Humus is priceless constituent of the soil formed by the decomposition of animal or vegetable matter. Compost is a mix of decaying organic matter of leaves and manure. Both are used to enhance the nutrients in the soil. Mulch is an attractive protective covering of leaves and straws around the plants to avert any incidence of moisture evaporation, weeds, and freezing roots.
Preparing herb garden soil is a significant step in ensuring the healthy growth of herbs to enrich your lives in the process.
Adam Johnsen is an herb enthusiast and a lover of growing herbs for years. Over the time, he has found out that one of the most beautiful aspects of nature is that everything in the nature has it's use. He has realized the many benefits of growing natural and organic herbs, so he would like to share with you free of charge, one of the best information in the world on herb gardeningFeel free to browse for information about herb gardening and on how to grow herbs in your home and garden. For more great tips on Home herb garden, visit http://www.herbgardeningtoday.com.
