Groundwork-Soil, Compost, Mulch
Water Conservation From the Ground Up Caring for the dirt below your sod and planting beds is the first step to both a healthier yard and water savings. So take stock of your soil, show it some love with amendments like DIY compost, and mulch your way to a happy, water-friendly landscape.
Understanding Soil Gardeners worth their salt know that lawns and landscapes depend on good dirt. Knowing your soil type means knowing how to improve it—and that’s the secret to efficient watering and gorgeous landscapes. DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOIL There are three common soil types: clay loam, sand loam and silt loam. · Clay loam is sticky and easy to shape. It often requires sand and organic matter to improve its quality. Clay is the gluey “peanut butter” of soils, but it can dry to a hard, almost impermeable surface. · Sand loam is visibly granular with no stickiness. It’s gritty, like sugar. Most sand loam will break up easily even when wet. · Silt loam is the happy medium between clay and sand loam. Its granules are smaller than sand but not as small as clay. It is smooth like clay but breaks apart like sand. This allows for just the right amount of water absorption and mineral retention. Guess what Bozeman is built on? Mostly, clay loam. This heavy, fine soil prevents water from soaking in easily which can lead to water waste. If you water this type of soil too fast, the water pools and runs off into the street and storm drains, picking up all kinds of contaminants. This dirty water can end up in our streams. In other areas of town, the soil can be extremely porous. Bottom line: you need healthy soil for a healthy garden, so it pays to know your dirt and water accordingly. DETERMINE YOUR SOIL TYPE AND DEPTH To find your soil type, place approximately one tablespoon of soil in the palm of your hand. Add water one drop at a time and knead the soil to break down all the larger pieces. You can identify your soil when the consistency feels like putty. Refer to the soil types listed above to discover yours. To maximize the health of your landscape, you'll want at least 4"-6" of topsoil before your shovel hits subsoil. Visit bozemanwater.com and click the water conservation button to learn how to determine your soil type by using ‘The Jar Test’. 6 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | bozemanwater.com
IMPROVE YOUR SOIL Good soil has particles of varying sizes and shapes and organic materials which retain water, provide nutrients, and allow water to get to plant roots. Once you know your soil type, make it even better: 1. Begin with deep spading, plowing or rototilling to a depth of about six inches to break up compacted soil. 2. While tilling, add organic matter such as compost or shredded leaves to beef up nutrition. 3. Add soil amendments, as needed, for your type of soil. For more information about soil amendments, click on the Water Conservation button at bozemanwater.com.
