General Soil Amendments
We’ve all heard of the importance of amending the soil properly for gardening and landscaping, but the number of soil amendments sold in garden centers often confuses gardeners. Which is which, and which will work best for your soil conditioning needs?
Types of Soil Amendments
Soil amendments fall into two basic categories: inorganic and organic. Inorganic amendments come from non-living materials such as sand, perlite, vermiculite, and crushed stone. With the exception of limestone and gypsum, which are used to increase soil calcium, these are not commonly used in the garden.
However, organic amendments are the opposite. They come from previously living materials such as peat, manures, and composts. When leaves, bark, peat, animals, and animal wastes decompose, compost or “humus” is the final product. These materials enrich the soil by increasing air spaces, adding extra nutrients, improving nutrient absorption, and boosting overall soil fertility.
Why You Need Soil Amendments
Excellent soil is not common around most homes. Even if it was initially, house construction and roadwork often remove nutrient-rich soil, while construction equipment compacts the remaining ground. Furthermore, heavy foot traffic from children, pets, and everyday use continues to compact the soil. Chemical treatments, runoff from gutters and downspouts, removal of existing plants, and changes in local wildlife can also negatively impact soil health.
Adding organic amendments loosens compacted soil and improves garden conditions. Incorporating materials such as evergreen needles, leaves, and lawn clippings throughout the year enhances soil texture and fertility. Amendments like peat or lime can correct pH imbalances if present, while calcium and magnesium deficiencies can be addressed using organic materials such as bone meal or wood ashes, or inorganic options like limestone, gypsum, or soft rock phosphate.
The Benefits of Mulching
Mulching is another simple way to add biodegradable materials to the soil. Placing mulch around plants—leaving several inches bare near the stem to prevent insect infestations and rot—provides numerous benefits. As mulch decomposes, it slowly releases nutrients, improves moisture retention, reduces weed growth, prevents erosion, maintains soil temperature, and prevents surface crusting caused by dry soil conditions.
Soil Amendments and Natural Helpers
Another advantage of adding organic matter is the attraction of worms. Earthworms help break down organic materials, aerate the soil, and leave behind nutrient-rich castings that improve soil fertility. A healthy garden supports a thriving worm population, reinforcing the benefits of organic amendments.
Premium Organic Soil Amendment
For an easy-to-use organic soil amendment, Bumper Crop® Organic Soil Builder is an excellent choice. This rich blend improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, and replenishes nutrients for thriving gardens. Available at Strader’s Garden Centers, Bumper Crop® is ideal for conditioning garden beds, enhancing compost, and supporting plant health throughout the season.
Whether you choose organic or inorganic soil amendments, using them correctly will transform your soil, leading to healthier landscaping, flowerbeds, and vegetable gardens. Give your plants the best foundation by incorporating high-quality amendments like compost, mulch, and nutrient-rich products such as Bumper Crop® Organic Soil Builder from Strader’s Garden Centers.
