
A nutrient rich soil is something that all gardeners want. Whether the nutrient rich soil is for a flower garden or a vegetable garden doesn't matter. Having and keeping a nutrient rich soil will greatly benefit anything that you decide to plant on that soil. We will look at some tips for keeping your soil nutrient rich after defining which nutrients are best for any soil.
First you need to know what type of nutrients you garden may need. Most gardens need three primary nutrients used by plants which are nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Your soil will need all three of these to stay nutrient rich.
Nitrogen will help with the plants leaf and stem growth. In a nutrient rich soil nitrogen is available to plants by a bacteria that will convert nitrogen into a form plants can use call nitrates. Nitrogen is used quickly and does not stay in the soil very long. The nitrogen is used by both your plants and any decaying matter that may be in the soil. Nitrogen can be washed out of your soil quickly but an excess of nitrogen cause more leaf and stem growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
Phosphorus is another nutrient that is very important to your soil in your gardens. Phosphorus is responsible for root growth. Flowering bulbs and root crops will always need phosphorus in the soil that they grow in. Bone meal is often recommended for bulbs planted in the fall because of the need for phosphorus. Phosphorous is also crucial for producing flowers. Fertilizers with high phosphorus content are sold for their claim to be flower boosters.
"Tips for keeping your soil nutrient rich" »