Jeff Halper offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print. Feel free to use this article in your newsletter, website, ezine, blog, or forum. ----------- PUBLICATION GUIDELINES - You have permission to publish this article for free providing the "About the Author" box is included in its entirety. - Do not post/reprint this article in any site or publication that contains hate, violence, porn, warez, or supports illegal activity. - Do not use this article in violation of the US CAN-SPAM Act. If sent by email, this article must be delivered to opt-in subscribers only. - If you publish this article in a format that supports linking, please ensure that all URLs and email addresses are active links. - Please send a copy of the publication, or an email indicating the URL to [email protected] - Content Crooner (www.ContentCrooner.com) has distributed this article on behalf of the author. Content Crooner does not own this article, please respect the author's copyright and publication guidelines. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use this article. ----------- Article Title: Your Best Bet For Planting Soil Author: Jeff Halper Category: Landscaping Word Count: 506 Keywords: Houston Soil Planting Author's Email Address: [email protected] Article Source: http://www.contentcrooner.com ------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------
When thinking about your Houston landscape, your key ingredient is the planting soil. It is the foundation from which all your glorious plant material will spring. Your blooming vines, verdant bushes, flowering trees and seasonal color are the beneficiaries of this important and necessary first step. In the excitement of dreaming about planting gardens, it is a common mistake to skimp on the items you can't see, like planting soil. But proper site preparation is a sure formula for lasting success. Soil is a mixture of minerals, rock particles, organic matter, oxygen, micro-organisms and water. The dirt component is usually a mixture of sand, silt and clay, with one predominant element. In Houston, our soil has a high concentration of clay, which presents special challenges. Rich in the mineral-based elements and nutrients that plants need, clay soils can also easily become compacted, especially with regular use, such as foot or vehicular traffic. At the same time, it can also quickly become waterlogged. Vital air pockets fill with water and can kill off soil organisms and injure or destroy plant roots. Heavy clay soil benefits from added fibrous material and sand. With clay soils, organic matter, such as leaf composts and pine bark, breaks up the small tight-sticking mineral particles to create larger pore spaces that drain more easily and hold oxygen. Local experts recommend this ratio for planting soil: 1/3 loam (or soil), 1/3 sand, and 1/3 organic matter. After you've arrived at the best soil combo, let the new beds lie fallow for a few weeks, which will give them time to settle. For low-lying areas or zones with drainage problems, consider raising the beds to keep the root systems of your plants from sitting in water for long periods. You want soil that retains moisture, but doesn't remain wet. Another issue with high-content clay planting soil, especially in combination with our Texas coastal weather that is subject to torrential rains, is to avoid working the soil or walking on your garden beds when they are wet. This good practice will decrease the possibility of more soil compaction. Once you've properly prepared the soil, your next best bet is mulch installation. Mulching between plants keeps the clay soil from forming a crust. However, bear in mind that there is too much of a good thing. Always be careful not to apply mulch up the trunks or stalks of plants as it can hinder their health. The condition of your soil is particularly important if you are planting azaleas. These magnificent plants that herald spring in Houston really thrive when their soil is healthy. The same applies if you are planting roses. When thinking about this foundational aspect of your gardens, consider using a professional lawn and garden services provider. Proper soil preparation is initially labor-intensive, but it is definitely an action item that provides long-term benefits. These specialists can also help with the regular application of mulch. The dream of your landscape garden design awaits. And, just like the journey of 1,000 steps, it begins with the all-important first one: your soil preparation. Jeff Halper has a passion for landscaping and landscape design, for more information about landscaping and gardening visit http://www.exteriorworlds.com Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com ------------------ ARTICLE END ------------------ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
