| What should I add to my soil to improve the quality of my vegetables, which I always have trouble with? |
| The first thing I would recommend is that you have your soil tested to make sure the pH is appropriate for most vegetables. A soil test will also tell you what major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) your soil may be lacking. Many garden centers perform these tests, as do Extension Service offices. In most cases, soil will benefit from the addition of organic matter as well. Most plants do not like the wet feet they may get in clay soil, nor do they thrive without getting enough moisture as sometimes occurs in sandy soil, through which water percolates so rapidly. Amazingly enough, organic matter can improve both situations. Decomposed manure, aged compost, dried grass clippings, are some of the most common types of organic matter you can mix into your soil. In addition to organic matter, you could mix in some micronutrients, which come in granular form and are easily mixed into the soil before planting. These steps will greatly improve your soil, and I'm sure you will see an improvement in the quality of your vegetables. That's what makes your efforts worthwhile! |
