Page 11 - Bringing out the Potential In Our Children - Gardeners - Food Producers

Chapter 2: Soil – Building a Good Foundation

Soil – the foundation of every garden. A good healthy soil
makes for good healthy plants.

Let’s take a look at what soil you have to work with. Actually take a look.

Have your child dig up a sample of the soil where you want to garden (no
soil to work with? Don’t worry we’ll cover growing in pots and making soil
too.). Do a simple soil test described below. Children are usually fascinated
with it.

Put that sample of soil in a clear jar with a lid. Fill with water, fasten lid and
let your child shake it up so the soil is well mixed with the water. Set it on
the counter overnight and see how the soil settles.

Do you see layers as in the picture below?

These layers are what your soil is made up of. There can be sand, silt, clay
and one other element that shows up is humus.
The ideal soil to aim for is loam which is a combination of the three. Ideally
you want 20% clay, 40% sand, and 40% silt for plants to thrive in.

Remember this is only what we are aiming for. You can always improve
your soil by adding compost, leaves, grass clippings, well-aged manure,
plus many others too!