Thanks for the additional info, Trish!
I do have an idea of some of the things I may need to do to make my soil better. Some things I have already done and I do see an improvement. I am like you, Trish .... I get excited to see earthworms in any soil I happen to dig up! They are still pretty rare here in my yard because of the poor sandy soil. But I am now seeing some!!!! Yay!
I need to start a worm composting bin. I know that would really boost my soil to use worm compost! Also watering my garden beds regularly. I now have one of those DIG irrigation systems installed around much of my backyard. It has really made a difference in whether my soil is dead or alive. And I also am using the shade of my Oak trees to help by removing some of the limbs to allow sunlight through during different times of the day. I now have moving shade in my backyard so that the ground isn't too sun-baked or too shady all day. But there is still so much more I can do....
