Hi, it’s The Mediocre Gardener, your favorite champion of imperfection! Today, we’re talking dirt—literally. If you want a thriving garden in Glenside, PA (or anywhere, really), you’ve got to start with healthy soil. It’s the foundation of everything good that happens in your garden. So, let’s dig in (pun totally intended) to five easy ways to give your soil a boost.

1. Get to Know Your Soil

Before you do anything, it helps to figure out what you’re working with. Is your soil sandy, clay-heavy, or somewhere in between? A simple soil test can give you the scoop on its pH and nutrient levels. You can pick up a test kit online or send a sample to your local extension office. (Hint: Penn State’s extension office is a treasure trove of gardening info.)

Once you know your soil’s strengths and weaknesses, you’ll know what it needs to thrive. Knowledge is power—or at least better tomatoes.

2. Compost Like a Pro (or at Least Try)

Compost is like magic for your garden. It turns kitchen scraps and yard waste into rich, dark soil that your plants will love. And here’s the best part: composting is forgiving. Toss in fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard clippings, and let nature do its thing. Just skip the meat, dairy, and anything greasy.

You can use a simple drum-type composter that is lifted off the ground in a hidden part of your yard. It has a handle so you can tumble it once a week. I use mine a lot! A word of warning in these colder climes though, it won’t do its magic breaking things down if the temperature isn’t between 90 – 140 F. You can still fill it in winter, but you’ll need to wait for it to “cook” during the summer months. 

3. Mulch, Baby, Mulch

Mulch isn’t just about making your garden look tidy (although that’s a nice bonus). It protects your soil from erosion, keeps it moist, and breaks down over time to add organic matter. In Glenside, where summers can get toasty, mulch is a lifesaver.

Opt for natural mulches like shredded leaves, wood chips, or straw. Avoid dyed or synthetic mulches, which don’t do much for the soil. Spread a layer a few inches thick around your plants, but keep it away from stems and trunks to avoid rot. You can also use your compost as mulch on your beds and it does double duty by feeding the soil as well as covering it. 

4. Plant Cover Crops

Cover crops aren’t just for farmers. They’re an amazing way to boost soil health in any garden. Plants like clover, rye, or buckwheat add nutrients to the soil, prevent weeds, and improve its structure. Plus, they’re kind of pretty!

Plant cover crops in the off-season (fall or early spring) and let them grow. When you’re ready to plant your main crops, just cut them down and work them into the soil. It’s like giving your dirt a spa day.

5. Ditch the Chemicals

It’s tempting to reach for chemical fertilizers and pesticides when things aren’t going well, but here’s the thing: they’re not great for your soil’s long-term health. Instead, focus on building healthy soil that can support your plants naturally.

Opt for organic fertilizers, like compost or aged manure, and try natural pest control methods. For example, invite ladybugs and birds into your garden to keep pests in check. Your soil (and the planet) will thank you.

Let’s Get Dirty

Building healthy soil takes time, but it’s so worth it. A little effort now will pay off with stronger plants, bigger harvests, and fewer headaches down the road. And remember, you don’t have to get it perfect. Every little bit helps.So, grab a shovel, toss on some compost, and let’s make Glenside a little greener, one mediocre garden at a time. Happy gardening and mistakes welcome! Email any questions to dearmediocregardener@gmail.com.

For the first installment of Glenside Local’s “The Mediocre Gardener” column, you can click here. The second edition can be found here.

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