Growing your veggies? How to save money AND get better results!
A short article about soils and getting good growing results from your plants.
One of the things that stuck in my mind when doing a horticultural apprenticeship at Botanic Golf was about soil. The owner (the late Theo Puik) came from a line of champion Tulip farmers in Holland and was incredibly knowledgable.
Looking back, I regret not learning more from him (I was more interested in drugs, alcohol, cars and girls so he let me go).
The simple rule he had for plant growth highlighted that what was most important for the plant was the part that can not be seen – the roots.
The same is true of us as humans – our presenting image or public ‘mask’ is what everyone can see, but often doesn’t reflect our true state of mind, well-being or spiritual condition. At times what lies hidden causes serious consequences, even death, despite the image we might project to others.
I would encourage you to address these hidden things within yourself as a priority – even over your plants!
Back to plant growth, Theo said this:
The roots need three things in equal parts for the plant to thrive:
- ⅓ Water
- ⅓ Air
- ⅓ Nutrients (soil)
The order of importance should be noted too:
- Without water, plants (and animals) die very, very quickly. This is true spiritually as well as physically. Interestingly, Jesus said He was the ‘Living Water’ – the only source of spiritual life we need. Without Him we die!
- Without air to the roots, some plants especially hate wet feet and will die quickly, but most plants will survive. They will be weak, prone to disease and will not fruit well – they will not thrive.
- Nutrients are vital for good health and crops, but again the plant can often survive for a long time with less nutrients than ideal.
Regularly, part of my job would be to turn a desolate piece of ground (either sand or root bound soil) and turn it into a thriving flower bed.
This simple thirds soil rule was the foundation for every patch I did at Botanic Golf – and for everything I have ever grown since. From hydroponics to potato patches, the same principles are vital for good results.
Before spending money on fertilisers and such, start with looking at the soil where you are (or will be) growing.
Is it sandy? Is it hard and compacted? Is it clay-like (ie turns to mud with water). Each type will require different attention to correct but it is easy…
Clay / Compacted Soils:
If your soil is water-logged, soggy, has high clay content or is over compacted, the roots won’t get enough air and the plants will suffer. Your first step will be to get air into the soil…
Aerating the soil by digging is the first and easiest thing to do. After this, you need to avoid compacting the soil by walking on it etc.
If you have high rainfall and/or there is clay you may need to add sand, coir or products to increase the air holding capability of the soil.
Please be aware that if you have compacted sand as in the photo above, you will need to add coir etc as it will not hold water and it will compact again overtime.
Sandy Soils:
Is your ‘soil’ is sand, dry or powdery, the exact opposite is true. You will have no problems with air, but will have issues with water retention. This means you will likely have to water more frequently which has the added problem of leaching nutrients from the soil.
In pure sand, compacting does little to help. You will need to add coir, clay, peat, vermiculite or manure (or a mix!) to hold the water.
Better Soil (Mix):
The above soil has some sand, compost and manure so has good drainage (air), holds some moisture (water) and also a range of nutrients.
An example of our own mix:
- Sand from our property
- Compost from our property (under trees / vegetable scraps
- Manures
- Soil Improver
- Fertilisers
For a more specific mix and list of ingredients, see our next article on this topic.
But for now, hopefully this gives you a quick insight into this most important element of successful plant growth. What is hidden underneath the plant is of vital importance. The make up of the soil will have a huge impact on how your plants turn out.
This is also true for your soul – what ‘soil’ you grow in – what you choose to put in – will determine what you end up like.
The Bible talks about putting your roots down into God’s love. God’s love is perfect, pure, infinite, unfailing and unconditional. If you put your roots down into that…you will THRIVE!
Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT)
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
This love was shown in it’s fullness when Jesus died on the cross – a willing sacrifice to pay for sin – yours and mine. Now that is good soil!
Next: Soil comparison with lettuce & broccoli seedlings.