Soils: Clay, Sandy, Peat, Toxic
Your garden is only as good as your soil. Soil is a living ecology consisting of: minerals, humus, microorganisms, air and water. When these elements are out of balance, soil becomes unproductive and unsustainable. Below is a table of different soil types showing which elements are typically present or missing.
| Soil Type | Minerals | Humus | Microbes | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loam | + | + | + | + | + |
| Clay | + | – | – | – | + or – |
| Sandy | – | – | – | + | – |
| Peat | – | + | – | – | + |
| Toxic | ++ | + or – | – | + or – | + or – |
Note that beneficial microbes need all three other elements to thrive and grow. If even one is missing, the soil life is compromised. In toxic soil, the microbes are overwhelmed by chemicals.
Sources of Minerals
Marine Mineral Magic M3, SuperStart for Plants, Bountea Better Bloom B3, rock dust (add to compost pile), sea minerals, wood ashes, kelp, some organic fertilizers, etc.
Sources of Humus
Humisoil, organic compost, aged animal manures, green manures, alfalfa pellets, organic mulches and additives, etc.
Sources of Microbes
Bountea Compost Tea, SuperStart for Plants, Root Web
Clay Soils need humus, microbes and air
- Double dig once, add Humisoil, compost and SuperStart for Plants.
- Plant with deep rooted green manures (legumes) and treat with Bountea Compost Tea with Root Web. Dig in green manure when mature.
- Apply Bountea Compost Tea every two weeks for the first season and mulch well.
- Cultivate the top 9″ to 12″ of soil, adding compost. Do not tread on the soil.
Sandy Soils need minerals, humus, microbes and water
- Dig 6″ to 9″ (do not double dig), add Humisoil, compost and SuperStart for Plants. Keep watered well.
- Plant with green manures and treat with Bountea Compost Tea with M3 and Root Web. Dig in green manure when mature.
- Apply Bountea Compost Tea with M3 every 2 to 3 weeks for the first season.
- Apply mulch and compost regularly to the soil surface. Cultivate the top 3″ to 6″ of soil.
Peat Soils need minerals, microbes and air
- Break up impermeable subsoil if present. Put in adequate drainage. Dig top 9″ of soil.
- Add sand, natural lime, rock minerals and SuperStart for Plants.
- Apply Bountea Compost Tea with M3 every 2 to 3 weeks for the first season.
Toxic Soils need microbes
Toxic soil is caused by chemical waste products or over-application of chemical fertilizers and/or pesticides.
- Apply SuperStart for Plants every two months until soil improves
- Treat soil type according to the advise above,
- Apply Bountea Compost Tea every week for the first month; then every 2 to 3 weeks for the first season.