Organic gardening has become increasingly popular in recent years. People want to grow their own food in ways that are better for the environment. One important part of organic gardening is using good organic soil. In this article, we’ll talk about why Organic Choice raised bed and in-ground soil are great for your vegetable and flower gardens.
What is Organic Soil?
Organic soil is soil that has been amended with materials derived from living organisms like compost, manure, bone meal etc It does not contain any synthetic chemical fertilizers or pesticides The USDA has established standards that soil must meet in order to be certified organic. Some of these standards include
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Must not have been treated with synthetic fertilizers or pesticides for three years before the crop is harvested.
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Must contain only allowed natural fertilizers like compost, animal manure etc.
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Must not contain any genetically modified organisms.
Benefits of Organic Choice Soil
When you use Organic Choice soil in your flower and vegetable gardens, these things will happen:
Improves Soil Health
The organic matter in Organic Choice soil provides nutrients for plants and helps improve overall soil structure and texture. Things like compost, peat moss and manure improve moisture retention and drainage in the soil. Worm castings and organic fertilizers supply a slow, steady release of nutrients. All of this biological activity improves soil health over time.
Grows Healthier Plants
Plants that are grown in organic soil get their nutrients from things like kelp, compost, bone meal, and so on. This leads to slower but steadier plant growth. Organic soil has a lot of different nutrients and microbes that make plants healthier and more likely to resist diseases and pests. Many gardeners say that fruits and vegetables that are grown in organic soil taste better.
Better for Environment
Since organic soil avoids synthetic chemicals, it helps protect groundwater from contamination. It also contributes less to greenhouse gas emissions compared to synthetic fertilizer production. Organic practices like cover crops and crop rotations improve biodiversity in the garden. Overall, organic soil is gentler on the environment.
Safe for People and Pets
Conventional soil often contains chemical residues that can be harmful to humans and animals over time. Organic soil avoids these toxins, making your garden safer for kids and pets. Produce grown in organic soil will not contain any chemical residues.
USDA Certified
Organic Choice soil is USDA certified organic. This means it has passed stringent federal guidelines for organic production. You can be confident you are getting a high quality organic soil product.
Using Organic Choice Soil
Organic Choice makes both raised bed soil and in-ground soil blends.
The raised bed soil is specially formulated to provide good drainage and aeration in elevated garden beds. It contains a mix of compost, coir, peat moss and organic fertilizers like alfalfa meal.
The in-ground soil is designed to improve native soil texture and nutrients. It incorporates compost, manure, peat moss, perlite and organic fertilizer.
Both blends can be used for planting flowers, vegetables, herbs and more. Organic Choice soil gives you a head start by providing a balanced blend of organic amendments. But remember that maintaining soil health is an ongoing process. Practices like crop rotation, cover cropping and regular additions of compost are important for continually improving organic soil.
The Bottom Line
More and more gardeners are switching to organic practices for growing healthy, chemical-free food and flowers. Using a quality organic soil like Organic Choice raised bed or in-ground blend is a great way to start your organic garden. Organic soil offers benefits like improved texture and nutrients, healthier plants, and safety for people and pets. Plus it helps protect the environment by avoiding synthetic chemicals. Try organic soil in your garden this season for tasty, nutritious produce and beautiful flowers.
Difference Bettween Garden Soil vs Potting Soil
Potting mix is meant to stand alone, as opposed to being mixed in with existing soils. It is a self-contained product designed to provide potted plants with everything they need to grow and thrive. Garden soil is meant to be spread around. Mix garden soil in with your native dirt to improve it.
What is the pH of Raised Bed Soil?
A common question is, what is the pH of Raised Bed Soil? Raised Bed Soil takes the guesswork out of determining the soil quality because it is already pH balanced to be between 5. 8 and 7. 5, which is optimal for growing vegetables in a raised bed garden or flowers.
How to Choose BAGGED SOIL for Your Garden
FAQ
Can you put in ground soil in a raised bed?
Generally, topsoil is fairly nutrient-rich and permeable, and it can be used in your soil mixture for your raised bed as long as it hasn’t been degraded or sprayed with lots of chemicals or pesticides or something really nasty like Roundup.
What’s the difference between ground soil and raised bed soil?
In -ground soil goes in the garden bed in your yard. Raised bed soil goes in your raised bed and usually has better drainage.
Is Miracle-Gro organic raised bed soil any good?
Miracle-Gro® Organic Raised Bed & Garden Soil The composted forest product is rich and dark. My garden has never looked so wonderful. The roots are abundant and my plants are thriving. The bags have a lot of sticks and small bark chips, but it has helped my plants so far.
What is the best soil combo for raised beds?
These beds will dry out quickly and plants may be subject to extra stress from absorbed and reflected sunlight. Fill the bed with compost and a soilless growing mix in a 1:1 ratio. Topsoil can be added (up to 20% by volume) for beds that are at least 16 inches deep.