It’s A Phrase That’s Been Gaining Traction Among Gardeners For Decades: Feed The Soil, Not The Plants. But What Does It Actually Mean?
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The Short Answer Is That Feed The Soil Not The Plant Focuses On Soil Health Rather Than Plant Nutrition & Is The Key To A Thriving, Sustainable Garden.
Gardens Are Complex Ecosystems
Our gardens are ecosystems, complex webs of life working together. At the heart of this is the soil. It’s a living organism, teeming with bacteria, fungi, worms, and countless other creatures. These organisms are the unsung heroes of our gardens, breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients, and improving soil structure.
When we prioritise feeding our plants with artificial fertilisers, we bypass this intricate system. It’s like giving a person a constant supply of energy drinks instead of nourishing food. In the short term, it might seem to work, but long-term health suffers. Plants grown on a diet of artificial nutrients and frequent irrigation develop shallow root systems and become reliant on constant feeding. Meanwhile, the soil’s natural fertility declines.
How Do We Feed The Soil?
The answer is simple: organic matter. Compost, manure, and leaf mould are all fantastic additions to the garden. These materials are all carbon based organic materials and will provide food for soil organisms, which in turn release nutrients for plants in a slow and steady way. This approach builds soil health over time, resulting in healthier, more resilient plants. Slow ands steady is vital. On my market garden I used organic fertilisers extensively because they released nutrients when the plants needed them. Synthetic fertilisers provide a rapid boost of nutrients and then fade away. It’s like having a good breakfast then nothing for days! The organic materials release nutrients in a slow steady stream to suit plant growth. They even respond to temperature and release more nutrients when it is warm and the plants are ready to grow faster.
Soil Cultivations Play a Part
It’s not just about what you add to the soil, but also what you take away. Avoid excessive digging, as this can disrupt the soil structure and harm beneficial organisms. Instead, opt for gentle cultivation methods like forking or using a broadfork. Better still go for No Dig if you can. Crops can be grown via the traditional dig or plough methods but the yields tends to be lower.
Be Patient in the garden
Patience is often the hardest skills for gardeners to learn. But gardening is working with nature and cannot be rushed. Building healthy soil takes time and patience. It’s a long-term investment, but the rewards are immeasurable. Gardens with healthy soil produce more abundant, flavourful crops, require less water and suffer fewer pest and disease problems.
