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Among the various methods of cultivation, growing plants in soil remains a classic choice due to its accessibility and versatility. Whether you have a spacious backyard or just a small balcony, this beginner’s guide to growing with soil will equip you with the knowledge to kickstart your soil-growing experience.  
 
It’s important to understand that the foundational element in your growing space is the soil. Soil is not just dirt, it’s a complex ecosystem with nutrients and minerals. For your benefit familiarize yourself with the different types of soil: sandy soil, loamy soil, clay soil and peat soil.  
 
Each type has its characteristics that influence drainage, aeration, and nutrient retention.  
 
Sandy soil is usually dry, fast draining and much easier to work with. Flowering plants benefit from the fact that it is well drained. Loamy soil is ideal for most garden plants because it holds plenty of moisture but also drains well so that sufficient air can reach the roots. Clay soil feels very sticky, it can hold more total water than most other soil types. However, only half of the water that clay soil absorbs is available to the plants. Peat soil can be good for some plants. It is typically acidic, it provides good root structure and holds a lot of water. Plants that love moisture and don't mind acidic conditions can grow well in peat soil. 
 
Many cultivation lovers then go over to start mixing different types of soil together. Soil mixing involves blending various soil types and amendments to create a growing medium tailored to your plant’s needs. Different plants have varying nutrient requirements. By blending soils, you can create a mix that provides the right nutrients in optimal proportions. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can further enrich the soil. Mixing coarse materials like sand or perlite into dense soils improves drainage and aeration. This prevents waterlogging and allows roots to breathe, reducing the risk of root rot.  
 
Certain soil amendments can help balance soil pH. For instance, adding lime can raise pH in acidic soils, creating a more hospitable environment for a wider range of plants. A well-draining soil mix can discourage the development of root diseases caused by excess moisture. 
 
Conduct a simple soil test to determine your soil’s pH level and composition, this will equip you with the necessary knowledge to make the best decisions regarding your plant’s needs. The pH level of soil plays a pivotal role in determining a plant's health, nutrient uptake, and overall growth. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, on a scale of 0 to 14.  
 
A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while values below 7 indicate acidity and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. In the context of soil, a pH range of 6 to 7 is generally ideal for most plants, allowing for optimal nutrient availability and microbial activity. One of the main reasons why pH matters in soil growth is its direct influence on nutrient availability. Soil acts as a reservoir of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, these nutrients are only accessible to plants within a certain pH range. When the pH is too high or too low, certain nutrients become chemically bound to the soil particles, effectively becoming unavailable to plant roots. 
 
It is important to choose the right type of soil based on your plant because not all plants thrive in the same type of soil. Do thorough research about the plants that are well-suited to your soil type, climate, and growing conditions. Start with low-maintenance plants that can help you build confidence as a first-time grower.  
 
Planting is a delicate process that involves placing seeds or seedlings in the soil with the correct care. Follow these steps for successful planting: 
  
1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant. 
2. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it into the hole. 
3. Fill the rest of the hole with soil, pressing it down gently around the plant. 
4. Water the newly planted seedlings to help settle the soil and reduce air pockets.  
  
Proper watering is essential for plant health. Overwatering can lead to suffocating the plant's roots, while underwatering can lead to dehydration. Depending on what plant you are growing, water them early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimize water loss. Always remember to aim for the root zone, as wet leaves can promote fungal growth. Adjust your watering schedule based on weather, plant type and soil moisture level.  
 
Growing plants is a process that needs regular attention, keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them using natural products or safe pesticides.  
 
Here are some things you can do to improve and keep your soil healthy: 
  
1. Add compost, it is the best thing you can use to improve the health of your soil. Working compost into soil will feed the soil, improve soil structure and promote good drainage. It will help maintain a neutral pH and protect plants from any common diseases.  
  
2. Be sure to conduct regular soil tests to determine what additional nutrients are needed for your plant to promote good plant growth and production.  
  
3. Prevent soil compaction, soil that is too compact will not allow water and nutrients to soak in, and the soil would then become dry. Small plants cannot spread out and search for moisture and nutrients, so they dehydrate and starve.  
 
As a beginner, patience, observation and learning from both successes and failures will be your best companions. By following the guidelines in this beginner guide you are almost guaranteed to see promising results in your garden.  
  
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our hydroponic expert Tommy on [email protected] 
 
Bibliography 
Life, G. a. (n.d.). 7 Simple Techniques to Improve Garden Soil. 
Lerner, R. (n.d.). What is Loam? 
ScienceDirect. (2014). Clay Soils. 
Estiaan. (2023). A beginners guide to growing with soil. (Zashka, Interviewer)