One of the most common reasons why plants fail to thrive is poor soil. In southern Ontario, we are faced with heavy clay soils which do not allow free root growth, slow down soil drainage, and prevent the necessary circulation of air into the root zone; all mandatory requirements of healthy, thriving plant growth. In some areas the soil is very sandy, which results in rapid drying out of the root zone and poor retention of essential plant nutrients.
We can correct both of these problems with the addition of organic matter into the soil. Organic additives such as manures, leaf molds and peat moss, as well as composts, all work to condition the soil to promote better plant growth. Easy to apply, they also act to provide the plants with nutrients in the most natural fashion. They can be worked into the soil in spring or fall, top dressed around growing plants, added to the compost heap or used as a mulch.
| Manures |
Either cattle, sheep, or chicken manure are all rich in nutrients. All forms of manures should be well composted before adding to your soil. Apply one inch of manure to the garden in spring or fall, and work it into a depth of 8-10 inches. For best results the manure should be incorporated into the soil at least a month before planting.
| Leaf Mold |
This is an excellent source of nutrients, and is virtually free to the gardener who has deciduous trees in the yard. Leaves gathered in the fall should be shredded, and added to the compost heap, to be used in the garden next year, once they are well rotted. Oak leaves are especially beneficial to acid loving plants such as Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Hollies and Evergreens.
| Peat Moss |
Contains no nutrients, but is one of the best soil conditioners, as it serves to aerate, improve drainage, and helps to retain essential plant nutrients in the root zone. It can absorb up to 15 times it's weight in water! Lawns may be top-dressed with 1/2 inch of peat moss in spring and fall; one inch or more should be worked into gardens and flower beds.
Grass Clippings |
Nearly everyone has grass clippings to dispose of after mowing the lawn. These are a rich source of nitrogen and potash, and are useful as a green manure worked into the soil. They can be added to the compost heap, or used for mulching to preserve moisture, or help keep weeds down in vegetable gardens. (Never use grass clippings in these ways if the lawn has been recently sprayed with a weed killer, or weed and feed has been used.)
| Compost |
Is the original do-it-yourself fertilizer and soil conditioner, it acts as a storehouse for plant nutrients, is an excellent way to re-cycle kitchen and garden wastes, and costs very little to make. It may be worked into the soil in the fall, or up to a month prior to planting; add liberally, 1-3 inches per year, or make a compost tea by adding water and "steeping", then use it as a liquid feed.
Listed below are materials that are natural sources of plant nutrients, although they do not act directly to improve soil conditions.
| Blood Meal |
This is a natural fertilizer, providing nitrogen, the nutrient essential for green, leafy growth. It can be top-dressed around plants such as roses, in the spring, or dissolved in water and sprinkled on plants as a foliar feed once they are
