Green Landscaping Has it Roots in the Soil

       
Green Landscaping is a matter of organic richness and a healthy network of microorganisms.


When you are talking about ‘green landscaping’ you are talking about things such as plant selection, water efficiency and the use of fewer resources to unify the landscape into its surroundings. But, to maintain the health of the new plant material or green landscaping it is important to have good soil quality. Healthy soil equals healthy plants. The future of sustaining green landscaping begins with our ability to imitate nature and not using short term, quick fix chemical solutions that poison the earth. With healthy soil maintenance will be reduced, water requirements reduced and the life of the plant will be increased. A healthy soil consists of soil rich in organic matter. The best organic matter is compost. Bagged compost can be purchased at most nurseries and hardware stores. However, the best compost can be found at local compost facilities. Some states even have website exchanges for compost and other materials.  See Pennsylvania Manure Trader, Pennsylvania BioMass Trader and Pennsylvania Material Trader.  The next step is to incorporate the compost into the soil. One way to do this is by using a rototiller. This process is called amending the soil. The amended soil creates a complex network of microorganisms that can be thought of as nature’s fertilizer factories. These little bugs eat the organic matter and turn it into nutrients that plants need to survive. The amended soil also provides a complete nutrient base that facilitates a symbiotic bond between the microorganisms and the plant. The plant produces sugars through photosynthesis and then sends this energy to the roots. The roots collect the nutrients and in return provide nutrients to the plant. By feeding the soil and not the plant, compost is nature’s way of installing life and fertility into the soil.

Once the soil is amended, let the planting begin!

This article was contributed by Shane Holderer of Landscape Plus LLC


Shane Holderer
Landscape Plus LLC
4734 Applebutter Road
Pipersville, Pa. 18947
215-646-1235
Landscape Plus LLC

Source:
Superior Woodcraft, Inc. Custom Cabinetry Blog
Superior Woodcraft, Inc. Website