Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions about soil health, gardening practices, and how to get the most out of your soil.
🌱 General Soil Questions
Q: Why does healthy soil matter?
Healthy soil is the foundation of thriving gardens, nutrient-rich food, and resilient ecosystems. It supports plant growth, retains water, stores carbon, and hosts beneficial microorganisms.
Q: How can I tell if my soil is healthy?
Look for signs like earthworms, crumbly texture, a rich earthy smell, and diverse plant growth. You can also do a soil test to check nutrients and pH.
Q: Do I really need to test my soil?
Yes! A soil test gives you a roadmap for improving your soil. It tells you what your soil needs (or doesn’t need), helping you avoid over-fertilizing or wasting time.
🌾 Weed Management
Q: How do I reduce weeds in my garden?
Here are 8 proven strategies:
Mulch generously (2–4 inches of organic mulch).
Plant ground covers or densely space crops.
Hand weed regularly, especially after rain.
Install edging or barriers to block creeping weeds.
Avoid disturbing soil unnecessarily—tilling wakes dormant weed seeds.
Water only where needed (drip irrigation).
Use targeted treatments: boiling water, vinegar sprays, or flame weeders.
Grow cover crops in the off-season to smother weeds.
🌱 Composting Questions
Q: My compost stinks. How do I fix it?
A smelly compost pile usually means it’s out of balance. Try these fixes:
Too much moisture? Turn the pile to aerate and add dry materials like straw or shredded paper.
Not enough air? Turn weekly and use a bin with ventilation holes.
Too many “greens”? Balance with more browns (leaves, cardboard, straw) at a 3:1 brown-to-green ratio.
Inappropriate materials? Remove meat, dairy, oily foods, or pet waste. Stick to veggie scraps, coffee grounds, and yard waste.
Compacted pile? Loosen it and mix in bulky materials to improve airflow.
Tip: Keep your pile 3–5 feet wide, alternate green and brown layers, and place it in a well-drained spot.
Q: Can I compost weeds?
Yes—if they haven’t gone to seed. To be safe, hot compost (pile heats to 130–160°F) kills most weed seeds.
🌸 Gardening Tips
Q: What’s the best way to improve clay soil?
Add organic matter like compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure. Avoid sand—it can create concrete-like soil.
Q: How can I garden without using synthetic fertilizers?
Use compost, aged manure, and organic fertilizers (like fish emulsion or kelp). Rotate crops and grow nitrogen-fixing plants (clover, peas).
Q: When should I apply mulch?
Apply mulch in spring after the soil has warmed. Reapply in summer and fall as needed.
🌎 About Soil Savvy Club
Q: What is the Soil Savvy Club?
The Soil Savvy Club is a community for people passionate about regenerative gardening and healthy soil. Members get exclusive tips, newsletters, online courses, discounts, and support to grow thriving, sustainable gardens.
Q: How do I join?
Visit Soil Savvy Club to sign up and start your journey to healthier soil today.