Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Front Garden Ideas

How to improve the quality of your soil

The secret to planting success is in the soil. - by Angie Thomas
  • 05 Apr 2018
How to improve the quality of your soil

Autumn is here and one of the best times for planting. After a long hot summer packed with extremes, this season provides welcome relief for gardeners of all skill levels.

Angie Thomas, Horticulture Consultant to Yates is frequently asked what her top tip is for planting success. Her response is “the secret is in the soil”.

New research of 1,000 Aussies nationwide showed just 17 per cent believe soil is most important to maintaining a garden.

 

"Soil is the engine room of your garden. Improving the health of your soil is a key step in having a healthy, productive garden," commented Thomas.

Angie’s soil secrets: 

Splurge as much as possible

A great rule of thumb when it comes to potting mix is it’s worth spending a bit more.

Ditch the cheap bags of potting mix for the best quality you can afford. The investment will be worth it when you see your plants flourish. 

Use organic mulches 

Mulch helps reduce moisture loss from soil, protects the soil from exposure to the elements and reduces weed growth.

Organic mulches like sugar cane, lucerne, pea straw, leaf litter and wood chips provide all these benefits in addition to breaking down over time and adding beneficial organic matter to the soil.

Encourage earthworms 

Earthworms help break down organic matter into nutrients and minerals that plants can use. The organic matter they recycle is a great source of food for your plants and a natural fertiliser in the garden. 

Earthworms also move around creating tunnels and aerating the soil, making it easier for plant roots to grow and access water. 

Make your own compost

Compost is a fantastic soil improver, and it’s easy to make your own. I tell people it’s a little like making a lasagne! By layering different organic materials and then ‘baking’ (or composting in this case), you’ll be making your own organic soil improver and plant fertiliser.

Use organic soil improvers and plant fertilisers

Organic soil improvers, such as Yates Dynamic Lifter contain organic matter, and when used regularly will help raise the organic matter content of the soil, which improves soil health and brings your soil to life.

Organic soil improvers and plant fertilisers also help improve the moisture and nutrient holding capacity of sandy soil and the drainage of heavy clay soil. 

For more information click here.

  • Garden
  • Front Garden Ideas

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to make compost

How to make compost

How to improve clay soil

How to improve clay soil

Fertilisers - the need to feed

Fertilisers - the need to feed

How to grow camellias

How to grow camellias

{headline}

{headline}

How to grow broccoli at home

How to grow broccoli at home

7 best grow lights to keep your indoor plants thriving all winter long

7 best grow lights to keep your indoor plants thriving all winter long

How to grow tomatoes in containers

How to grow tomatoes in containers

{headline}

{headline}

How to prevent a soggy lawn

How to prevent a soggy lawn

Melissa and Charlie’s tips for gardening in winter

Melissa and Charlie’s tips for gardening in winter

3 fun garden projects for kids

3 fun garden projects for kids

5 ways to keep your garden healthy in winter

5 ways to keep your garden healthy in winter

Graham’s favourite winter plants

Graham’s favourite winter plants

What to plant in June

What to plant in June

Giant Steps in the garden

Giant Steps in the garden

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription