Organic Matter

The key to growing great plants and vegetables is the soil. A crumbly soil that is high in organic matter, retains moisture during dry spells and drains easily in wet weather is the ideal.

You can improve the structure of your soil by working in bulky organic matter, like garden compost and manures, and letting nature do the rest.

The magic is in the bacteria

The bacterium which is dormant in your soil comes alive when you provide a source of organic matter. This could be anything from multi-purpose compost, black gold or well-rotted farmyard manure.

The bacteria warms the soil as they work and transform the organic matter into valuable plant nutrients and humus. The humus then breaks down the sticky clay soil or binds together loose sand into soil crumbs, while providing a slow-releasing source of essential plant nutrients.

Under cultivation each year, the organic matter in soil will fall along with nutrient levels. As a result, they need to be replaced by adding new materials to the ground each season.

It just gets better and better…

After adding organic matter to your soil, it will become more workable and less compact as it settles. The improved structure will provide more tiny pockets in the soil to hold air and water, stimulating root growth and helping the plants thrive.

As the organic matter becomes settled, it begins to act as a sponge, holding the water the soil needs while allowing any excess water to drain through.

The increased feed source in the soil will attract worms to your flower beds and vegetable patches. The worms digest the material, converting it into valuable nutrient-rich worm casts which add to the soil’s fertility.

After a few seasons of cropping and maintaining organic matter levels, your soil will have significantly improved, creating a fantastic productive soil.