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Home » Blog » How to Improve Soil Structure This Winter

How to Improve Soil Structure This Winter

By PreparednessMama on July 5, 2018 * 2 Comments

Improve Soil Structure by Making Amendments

Improve Soil Structure | PreparednessMamaIt’s winter time in my part of the world. I’m doing some research on how to improve soil structure by making amendments to it. My soil is (unfortunately) mostly clay.  Which means it needs some help getting air to it and to release some of the water it wants to retain.

Basically, a soil amendment is any material added to a soil to improve its physical properties and the way it holds (or releases) water. Topsoil is usually used with another amendment, it replaces existing soil. You might need to change things like:

  • -water retention
  • -permeability – the ability of water to flow through a soil
  • -how water drains – fast or slow
  • -aeration – the amount of air space
  • -overall soil structure

The goal is to provide a better environment for the roots of the plants. After all, you are putting all your efforts into the growing process. Taking the time now, in the off season, to improve soil structure will benefit your garden during the growing season.

According to the Colorado State University Extension Office  “Amending a soil is not the same thing as mulching, although many mulches also are used as amendments. A mulch is left on the soil surface. Its purpose is to reduce evaporation and runoff, inhibit weed growth, and create an attractive appearance. Mulches also moderate soil temperature. Organic mulches may be incorporated into the soil as amendments after they have decomposed to the point that they no longer serve their purpose.”

First Determine Your Soil Structure

Mason jar soil test
Sand, Silt, Clay…Which are you?

This simple test, the mason jar soil test, is the perfect way to begin understanding your soil. It couldn’t be simpler. Just take a sampling of your soil from several different areas of the garden. Mix it together and fill half of a canning jar. Next, add an equal amount of tap water, cap and shake until the soil is suspended in the water. Then let is sit, undisturbed for a few hours. Your soil sample will separate into layers.

Which Amendments Should You Make?

Use these soil fixes to help while planning a garden| PreparednessMama

Now that you know what kind of soil you have you can use these recommendations.

Amendments for Clay Soil http://www.wikihow.com/Amend-Clay-Soil

Lime: raises the pH of acid soil and helps loosen clay soil.
Bark, ground: made from various tree barks. Improves soil structure.
Sand, course: improves drainage in clay soil.
Compost: excellent conditioner.
Leaf mold: decomposed leaves that add nutrients and structure to soil.
Peat Moss: Conditioner that adds aeration to the soil.

Amendments for Sandy Soil http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/amending-sandy-soil.htm

Peat moss: conditioner that helps soil retain water.
Bark, ground: made from various tree barks. Improves soil structure.
Compost: excellent conditioner.
Leaf mold: decomposed leaves that add nutrients and structure to soil.
Clay rich soil: improves the water holding properties

Amendments for Silty Soil http://agverra.com/blog/silty-soil/

Compost: excellent conditioner.
Manure: best if composted, it’s a good conditioner.
Sand, course: improves drainage
Straw: composted

Having a great garden is all about planning – and soil. No matter what kind of soil structure you currently have, by making some amendments this winter you can improve your soil structure and have a great gardening season.

Head on over to our Sow What! board on Pinterest and see what other gardening ideas we’ve found.

Shared with: Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways –

PreparednessMama
Preparedness Mama and its collaborators have created a one-stop shop of critical resources for families looking to prepare for disaster. We know firsthand that getting ready for the worst with a big family poses some particular challenges.
 
We’ve learned from the past so that you don’t have to make the same mistakes again. Fear of the unknown is one of the scariest things in life, but we hope that Preparedness Mama’s treasure trove of practical advice will make that unknown less daunting and ultimately help take the scared out of being prepared for every single one of our readers.

Comments

  1. Kelli says

    January 17, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    Thanks for the very useful info. I’ll have to test my soil this way instead of buying some tester at the store. Gardening skills are so important. I know it looks easy but believe me it takes practice. Even if you have a large garden make sure you have at least 12-18 month of food hidden away and extra seeds too. If your garden fails you’ll have enough till next years harvest. If you’re looking for food storage check out the deal I got at http://www.thrivelifemarketplace.com. This site beats COSTCO prices. We love their food!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      April 28, 2020 at 11:05 am

      Thank you for the information.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Gardening Link Bomb | Ed That Matters says:
    January 15, 2014 at 7:34 pm

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  2. Mason Jar Soil Test - Spring Garden Primer, PreparednessMama.com says:
    March 6, 2014 at 9:37 am

    […] of your soil will help you determine how much water and fertilizer your plants will need, and what soil amendments to make.  Your soil is a mass of mineral particles, water, air and dead organic matter. The size […]

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  3. Gardening Link Bomb says:
    March 22, 2014 at 11:03 pm

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    October 10, 2014 at 8:58 am

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    February 5, 2015 at 6:06 am

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