Healthy soil is the heart Colorado gardens. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, the condition of your soil determines how well plants can access water, nutrients, and oxygen (yes!). For home gardeners, improving soil health is one of the most impactful steps you can take to boost productivity and create a resilient garden.
Soil is a Living Ecosystem
Soil is more than just dirt, it’s a living ecosystem. Healthy soil is full of beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter and release nutrients in forms plants can use. When soil life is thriving, plants grow stronger and are better able to resist pests and disease. Your healthy plants are able to focus their energy on big blooms and tons of tomatoes!
Amending our Native Colorado Soils
In Colorado, we have many neighborhoods with heavy clay soils. If you have turned clay soil, you know it has very little pore space for oxygen. One of the best ways to improve this soil is by adding organic matter. Natures Yield Organic Compost, peat moss, and recommended amendments improve soil structure. 
These add pore spaces for oxygen and allow roots to spread. Mulching garden beds with Compost or Bark Mulch also reduces evaporation, suppresses weeds, and feeds the soil as it breaks down (this depends on your selected mulch).
Avoid Unnecessary Soil Disruption
Avoid practices that damage soil structure such as unnecessary tilling or overuse of fertilizers. Tilling disrupts soil organisms, while heavy fertilizer use can build salt levels and lead to nutrient imbalances. If you use compost tea or organic fertilizers, remember: these breakdown over time and therefore are not immediately absorbed by plant roots.
Transplanting Tips
You can accelerate plant acclimation with simple steps during transplanting: 1) Prepare planting holes with care, being sure they are not too deep or too shallow; 2) Use a good quality compost and microbe-enhanced starter fertilizer which incorporates mycorrhizae to stimulate plant roots; 3) Determine a fertilization schedule and write it down so you can keep track of and stay on your schedule.
Premium Quality Potting Soils
Professional potting soils like Creek Side Gardens Premier ProMix are scientifically formulated to provide plants optimal water holding capacity and aeration to promote excellent root growth. With the addition of the beneficial fungi mycorrhizae already incorporated into the potting mix, plants have every advantage to get off to a terrific start.
By focusing on soil health, home gardeners create a strong foundation for vibrant, productive plants. Invest in your soil … your garden will reward you!
