Why care about dirt? Healthy plants need healthy soil

March 15, 2023

Why care about dirt? Healthy plants need healthy soil

Why care about dirt? Healthy plants need healthy soil Whether it is in your landscape or an indoor pot, soil is the medium for your plants to thrive. High quality soil performs five functions at the same time: Soil…

• Acts like a sponge, soaking up rainwater and limiting runoff. It also helps with groundwater recharge and controlling rainwater runoff in urban environments.
• Acts like a faucet, storing and releasing water and air for plants and animals to use.
• Acts like a supermarket, providing valuable nutrients, air and water to plants. Soil also stores carbon and prevents losing it into the atmosphere.
• Acts like a strainer or filter, purifying the water and air that flows through it.
• Detoxifies and traps pollutants, such as oil, pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals, keeping them from entering groundwater supplies. It also stores nutrients for your plants.

To support the trees, shrubs, and other plants we enjoy in our urban landscapes, our soil may need some help.
Talk with someone on our team about the best amendments for your particular soil type. Compost is a common amendment—but be careful, as some composts can be high in salt. Learn what’s in the compost before purchasing.