Demystifying Soil Health - Minerals
Once more, we’ll leap into a very brief discussion of soil health understanding that I am just speaking from my own experience and am not a scientific authority. The farther we get into these discussions, the more nervous I get that I’m going to fail the test that’s coming up at the end of this module! (only kidding. there’s no test.)
We’re just going to quickly talk about a couple of key minerals that will help you grow strong plants. Most of these things exist in abundance and we don’t need to think about them, but it’s good to know where you start (soil test) and rebalance things every now and again for optimal (read: lower workload) growing.
Calcium
Just like in animals, Calcium is critical for strong cell structure and encourages nutrient absorption in our plants.
Magnesium
Magnesium is the central atom in the chlorophyll molecule, so that should tell you how important it is for photosynthesis. Epsom salts are a really great way to add magnesium to your garden, either by mixing it in to the soil before you plant, or diluting it in water and applying it to foliage or root. And then draw a bath and throw some in for yourself. Your muscles will thank you.
Sulfur
Sulfur is nitrogen’s best pal. It plays a critical role in transforming N into the amino acids that build all that healthy greenery structure. You’ll get a ton of it in compost. And you know when it’s there…
There are a few more that are involved, but we are rapidly approaching a deeper dive than is useful for our purposes. A quick mention of Iron (helps carry oxygen around the plant) and Boron (not scary and aids uptake of Calcium and creation of sugars) are merited though. All of which will show in your soil test.
Which leads us to the point! Get that soil tested if you’re interested in knowing how to amend your soil to be its best self. Link below, and I am happy to help you interpret your results when you get them!
