Oro-Medonte Horticultural Society Updates and Information

— by Suzana Wilmot

There’s something incredibly special about garden soil. It’s where garden life begins, where seeds take root, grow, and turn into the beautiful plants we love so much. But just like any living thing, garden soil needs care and nourishment to thrive. We, gardeners, are the stewards of this powerful resource, responsible for feeding and nurturing it so that it can, in turn, feed our plants.

Soil is the vital factor in every garden. It supports every seed, stem, and leaf. In every handful of soil, there’s a world of activity – insects, worms, ants, spiders, along with millions of bacteria, fungi and many types of single-cell organisms – all working together to break down organic matter and release nutrients that plants absorb.

When you dig your hands into the soil, you’re connecting to a network that stretches through time. Your garden soil holds the history of every plant that has ever grown there as well as promise of a new gardening season to come. But it needs your help. Imagine trying to grow a lovely marigold or your favourite red, juicy tomato without water, sunlight, or nutrients. It could not happen. The same is true for the soil – it requires help to stay rich and full of life, and provide nourishment in return. Over time, soil loses nutrients and when nutrients are depleted, plants struggle to thrive and survive. Struggling plants will provide sub-standard results and are likely to become a magnet for pests and diseases.

One of the most important things gardeners can do is to feed the soil. Doing so isn’t a one-time fix – soil needs continuous supply of nourishing goodness to stay productive. By feeding the soil regularly, you’re ensuring that it will continue to support a garden filled with lush growth, beautiful blooms, and tasty fruits and veggies. Compost, leaves, grass clippings, kitchen scraps, well-aged manure all hold beneficial nutrients, essential minerals, vitamins, and organic matters. These natural materials break down over time, feeding the soil, replenishing what’s been used up, bringing life back into the earth.

So how can you help keep the soil nutrient-filled and productive?

Adding a thin layer of compost to your garden each season is the first step towards success. It’s the magic touch that transforms the soil – it retains moisture, improves structure, and feeds the organisms that make the soil so alive. You don’t need to overdo it – an inch of compost is plenty; too much can be counterproductive. Those soil microbes will thrive and reward you with better blooms and harvests.

The second step is mulching, which offers protection from the elements. When mulch breaks down, it releases nutrients back into the soil, keeping it fertile and full of life. It also protects the soil from moisture loss, bleaching, and being dispersed by wind.

Yet another easy and natural way to enrich the soil is with a method called “chop-and-drop.” Simply cut the plants and let them rest where they fall (that is, unless they are diseased or invasive – in which case, dispose of both in your garbage cart). You can also trim the tops of your plants and leave the roots in the ground when tidying up the garden. Over time, those roots and other plant remains break down, feeding all those small creatures in the soil, turning it into a richer, more balanced, nutrient-filled earth.

Some may question if fertilizers are the right soil-improvement choice. While they can promote short-term growth in plants when used correctly, they offer nothing lasting for the soil’s health. These quick fixes often come with a price – potentially burning the foliage by improper application and overloading the earth with unnecessary chemicals that throw it out of balance. Remember, for soil microbes to work well, they need regular, steady feeding, not just a temporary boost.

Healthy soil is a timeless gift, flourishing with life year after year. Adding organic matter and avoiding harsh chemicals makes it richer and more fertile over time. Soil is the foundation of your garden, the silent force that nurtures everything. By feeding it – and the incredible world of microbes that lives within it – you’re giving the garden its greatest gift: the promise of life, growth, and beauty that will bloom season after season.

Join us on Monday, June 16 at the Oro-Medonte Community Centre for an inspiring evening featuring Ursula Eley’s presentation, Arranging Flowers Beautifully. Plus, don’t miss our flower show that night, showcasing stunning floral displays!

Looking ahead, mark your calendar for Monday, August 11, also at the Oro-Medonte Community Centre, when David St. Amand will take us on a journey with his presentation, Exploring the Lush Beauty of Irish Gardens. Add to the fun by decorating and wearing your fanciest garden hat with a touch of Irish flair – and don’t forget to wear green!

Love gardening? Become a member and stay connected – visit www.oromedontehorticulturalsociety.ca  for details.

—photo by Deb Halbot