Soil Amendments for Organic Gardeners

Judson Mark Grosvenor is a real estate executive who guides Grosvenor Industries and has spearheaded commercial developments across the San Diego area. A culinary enthusiast, J. Mark Grosvenor enjoys activities such as organic gardening in his free time.

Beyond not using pesticides, one key aspect of growing plants organically is selecting natural soil amendments that enrich clay or sandy soil. Fast acting and concentrated, bat guano is one popular option. It must be mixed into the soil no less than two weeks prior to planting or in the fall, if possible. This gives nutrients the opportunity to break down into a plant-absorbable form.

Another ready option is livestock manure, which provides slow-release nitrogen and other nutrients required for healthy plant growth. This type of fertilizer should be spread at least three months before plants are harvested, in order to eliminate pathogen risks, and one month before planting to avoid burning plants. Make sure that you know the source of the manure, as this additive has been known to be contaminated with herbicide.

Finally, consider worm compost, an extremely rich fertilizer. Worm compost also benefits soil structure and improves water usage capacities.