Planting An Autumn Garden? 4 Soil Supplies You Need To Have On Hand
Autumn will be here before you know it. If you've been using your gardens for several crop rotations, it might be time for some soil replenishment. You might not realise this, but garden soil can be depleted of vital nutrients, especially after constant use. If you plan to grow vegetables in your gardens this autumn, now's the time to gather your soil supplies. If you're not sure what type of supplies you'll need, read the list provided below. Adding the four amendments described below will improve the quality of your soil, and enhance crop growth this autumn.
Blood Meal
If your garden soil has been overused, there's a good chance that the nitrogen levels have been depleted. If that's the case, your crops won't be as healthy as they should be. That's because most garden crops require nitrogen for proper growth. That's where blood meal comes into the picture. When added to your garden soil, blood meal provides a slow release of nitrogen. The slow release allows the nitrogen to soak into the soil, which improves plant growth. For maximum benefit, blood meal should actually be added to the soil prior to each crop planting.
Kelp Meal
If you've had a problem with disease, and weak root systems, it's time to add kelp meal to your garden soil. You might not know this, but poor soil quality can increase the risk for a variety of plant diseases. Poor soil quality can also produce weak root systems, which can interfere with crop production. To reduce the risk for disease, and to ensure strong root systems, it's a good idea to add kelp meal to your garden soil. Kelp meal strengthens plants and improves nutrient absorption.
Compost
If you want to improve your soil before you plant your autumn gardens, now's the time to gather your compost. You might not realise this, but compost is an essential part of soil health. One of the great things about compost is that you can make it yourself. Compost contains natural organic materials including chicken manure, coffee grounds, and wood shavings. If you'd prefer, you can purchase compost from your local nursery.
Mulch
If your garden soil dries out too quickly, you'll want to make some adjustments prior to planting your autumn crop. One way to do that is to add mulch to the soil. Mulch helps to lock in moisture, which improves plant growth. However, mulch also helps to protect your crops from temperature damage. When planting your autumn gardens, be sure to add mulch to the soil.
If you need soil supplies, talk to a landscaping company near you.
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