Introduction
Why Good Soil is the Root of Every Garden
There’s a saying that goes something like, “A poor farmer grows weeds, a mediocre farmer grows crops, and a great farmer grows soil.” Good soil is at the root of every garden. In this blogpost, I’m going to show you a low cost way to make soil at home without spending any money.
Welcome to Forever Food Forest
Hi, I’m Christina with Forever Food Forest, a site where we explore ways of growing food without pesticides, herbicides, or commercial fertilizers. Instead, we rely on permaculture principles to create symbiotic relationships in the garden inspired by nature. Let’s get into it!
The Goal: Growing Good Soil
With these soil building methods, you’ll have beautiful, nutritious soil in as little as three months. Here in the humble beginnings of my food forest (year one), my main goal is to grow good soil. To do that, I’m taking inspiration from nature’s best teacher: the forest.
The Forest as a Model for Soil Building
Imagine a forest: when a tree falls, it decomposes, releasing nutrients that other plants absorb. This cycle repeats endlessly. While I didn’t cut down trees, I used wood chips to replicate this natural process.
Getting Free Wood Chips
Wood chips are a fantastic, free resource. You can get them from tree removal services, arborists, or services like Chip Drop but beware of over-delivery! Here’s what happened with my mulch delivery and why I recommend alternatives.
How to Use Wood Chips to Build Soil
This is the easiest soil-building method:
- Dump wood chips in a layer 2–6 inches deep.
- Spread them evenly.
- Walk away!
As they break down, they release nutrients, retain moisture, and moderate soil temperature. Eventually, they transform into humus, enriching the soil.
What is Humus and Why Does it Matter?
Humus (not hummus!) is the black, nutrient-rich material left after decomposition. It improves soil texture and water retention.
Hot Composting Wood Chips for Garden Soil
If you need a lot of soil, hot composting is a great option:
- Create a large pile of wood chips.
- Add a nitrogen source (e.g., grass clippings, kitchen scraps, or manure).
- Mix, soak, and let it break down.
In six months, you’ll have humus-rich soil ready for garden beds.
Using Leaves to Improve Soil
Leaves are another free resource inspired by forests. They:
- Retain water.
- Provide beneficial microbes.
Collect leaves (your own or neighbors’) and either pile or bag them:
- Wet them for faster breakdown.
- Wait 6–9 months for them to decompose into leaf mold.
What is Leaf Mold and Its Benefits?
Leaf mold is created through a fungal process, producing a soil amendment that holds water and enriches plant roots. It’s similar to peat moss and perfect for trees and shrubs.
Horse Manure A Prairie Inspired Method
Inspired by prairies, horse manure is another excellent nitrogen source for soil. Here’s how:
- Pile manure and keep it hydrated.
- Let it break down for three months.
- Use it for nitrogen-loving crops like corn.
Soil Building A Long Term Investment
Building good soil is like an investment with long-term benefits. It’s not just about nutrients; it’s about creating a thriving soil microbiology. A teaspoon of soil contains more microorganisms than people on Earth!
Conclusion Start Building Your Soil Today
These beginner-friendly methods wood chips, leaves, and manure are just the beginning of soil regeneration. Establishing good soil practices pays dividends for years. Want to see what’s next in this garden? grow your soil and stay away from snakes!
