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Soil Health

© Deborah Turton

I just saw it again. A letter to a gardening expert I our local paper complaining about aphids and/or powdery mildew. The standard reply is always to use pesticides and fungicides. Sometimes it’s even mentioned that you should rotate your use of these chemicals because the offending organism will develop resistance.

It really bothers me that nobody mentions that some common chronic garden problems are a result of poor soil. Now not all insect problems are caused by poor soil. Not all fungus develops because you mistreat your soil. But all things being equal, a plant growing in soil with little organic matter, few nutrients and depleted microorganisms will have more problems than a plant growing in healthy soil. For example, powdery mildew commonly develops at the end of the growing season Older annuals become stressed with age and perennials start to concentrate their efforts on storing energy over the winter rather than fighting off disease. But if you plants are struggling with powdery mildew early in the season, you should probably concentrate on your soil first.

Healthy soil provides lots of minerals, trace elements and helpful fungi for your plants. It does not provide too much nitrogen for your plants. Healthy soil means nutrients are there when they are needed, stored in the many organisms living under the ground. Your plants can absorb as much as they need, when they need them, but are not overwhelmed by nutrients. Healthy soil holds nutrients you add so excess nutrients are not washed downstream polluting our waterways.

To create good soil you need to start with organic matter to add nutrients to your soil. Organic matter holds water and nutrients, provides habitat for microorganisms and counters topsoil erosion. Chemical salts and fertilizers do none of these.

Chemical salts and fertilizers can lead to excessive growth. This may look nice, healthy and impressive, but it also attracts many insects. Aphids love that new succulent growth. If your plants have to much growth because of too much nitrogen, you’ll end up with aphids.

To preserve healthy soil, cover your soil at all times. Either have mulch or plants on your soil at all times. Sun and water and wash away and destroy nutrients and soil structure. Don’t till your soil. Tilling destroys soil structure, burns up organic matter and kills microorganisms.

Remember, healthy soil won’t cure all your problems, but it will help your plants fight off disease and insects.

The copyright of the article Soil Health in Organic Gardening is owned by Deborah Turton. Permission to republish Soil Health in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.