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Soil Health

Healthy gardens require healthy soil. When we garden, our focus should not only be on growing food but growing soil. Check out these resources to learn the basics of soil health and simple things you can do to grow healthy soil!

Basics of great garden soil

Author: Burpee Gardening

This short and simple video provides an overview of how to determine soil health and the importance of compost. 

Topsoil vs Garden Soil vs Potting Soil

Author: The Ripe Tomato Farms

This video explains the various soil types used in the garden and how they differ from each other.

Lasagna Gardening How To

Author: GardenFork

The video shows how to start building healthy soil in the Fall using lasagna gardening in a raised bed garden.

Resources on Composting and Mulching
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Printable Resources:

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  • Sheet Mulch - Lasagna Composting: This fact sheet from Oregon State University discusses the method of sheet mulching which is a tried and true method of composting in place. Start sheet mulching in the fall for rich spring soil. 

  • CGC Composting Primer: An overview of what composting is, what a healthy compost pile needs, and how to start your own home compost.

  • Ways to Use Your Compost: This fact sheet from UNH Extension walks you through the many ways you can use compost to grow healthy soil and healthy plants.

  • Vermicomposting: Vermicomposting is a quick and easy way to develop rich soil amendments in your home. These fact sheets from North Carolina State University provides the basic of vermicomposting and how to start vermicomposting at home.

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Books:

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  • Davis, S. 2011. Composting inside and out: 14 Methods to fit your lifestyle. Cincinnati, Ohio: Betterway Home Books

  • Foster, C. 2014. Compost: How to make and use organic compost to transform your garden. London, UK: Mitchell Beasley - Octopus Publishing Group

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Resources on Performing a Soil Test
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Below are links to soil testing services from cooperative extension offices/universities in New England. For questions on how to perform a soil test, refer to your state's information and call your state's soil lab with questions.

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Resources on Organic Fertilizers and Soil Amendments
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Printable Resources:

Organic and Natural Fertilizers for the Home Ground and Garden: This guide from UNH Cooperative Extension to organic fertilizers can assist in decisions on what organic soil amendments you should add based on the results of a soil test

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Additional Resources on Soil and Soil Health:
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  • Garcia, D.K. (Producer & Director). 2013. Symphony of the Soil [motion picture]. United States: Lily Films

  • Murphy, E. 2015. Building soil: A Down-to-earth approach: natural solutions for better gardens & yards. Minneapolis, MN: Cool Springs Press

 

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