Soil compaction in the garden

Source: John Strang, extension horticulture specialist

Gardening season is in full force with the threat of frost now behind us. It’s a good time to think about your soil. Soil compaction creates an unfriendly growing environment for plants and is a serious problem for many home gardeners. However, it is relatively easy to prevent.

Compaction transforms soil into a difficult environment for plant growth by making it harder for roots, water and soil to penetrate the ground. Major causes are working the soil when it is too wet, foot traffic and excessive rototiller use.

To reduce this problem, it is best to avoid working in the garden or walking in it when the soil is too wet. Squeeze a handful of soil and if it forms a muddy ball, rather than crumbling when you open your hand, stay out of the garden area.

Walk between plants and rows in the garden area to reduce compaction in primary plant growth areas.

Excessive rototiller use destroys soil structure and promotes compaction. When compaction takes place in a dense soil structure, it also makes root growth more difficult.

A little hand hoeing, rather than a rototiller, may be all you need to do to eliminate a few weeds. It usually causes less soil damage than repeated rototilling and is less harmful to the earthworms that help aerate the soil.

You also can use mulch to control weeds instead of tilling. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch relieves the pressure of walking on the soil, reducing the degree of compaction.

Contact the Clinton County Cooperative Extension Service at 606-387-5404 for more gardening information.

Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Upcoming Events

CAIP Meeting

An informational meeting covering the producer application and changes to the 2014 program will be held Thursday May 15th at 6:00pm at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. For more information contact the Clinton County Extension Office at 606-387-5404.

Soil Testing Meeting

A meeting covering soil testing procedures and soil test reports will be held at the Clinton County Extension Office on Monday May 19th at 6:00pm. Producers attending the meeting will receive three free soil tests sponsored by the Clinton County Soil Conservation Service.

Private Pesticide Applicator

Training

The Clinton County Extension Office will hold a meeting for Producers needing new Private Pesticide Applicator Cards. The training will be held at the Clinton County Extension Office on Tuesday May 20th at 6:00 p.m.