Overview
Build living soil that feeds plants all season with compost, mulches, and smart watering.

 

Core Content

  • Compost ratio: Aim near 2–3 parts “brown” (dry leaves, cardboard) to 1 part “green” (kitchen scraps, grass). Keep moist like a wrung-out sponge; turn or aerate when hot/odorous.

  • Fast fixes: Leaf mold as mulch; finished compost top-dress ½–1 inch between crops; worm castings for seedling mixes.

  • Soil protection: Keep soil covered—mulch or cover crops (buckwheat warm season; oats/rye cool season).

  • Water for roots: Deep, infrequent watering; aim for 1–1.5 inches/week total; use drip/soaker where possible.

  • Signals to watch: Earthworms, crumbly structure, fewer weeds = improving soil.

 

Reflection Prompts

  • Which bed needs organic matter most, and what will you add first?

  • What mulch will you use to keep soil covered this month?

 

Discussion Prompts

  • Share a compost tip that worked for you in small spaces.

  • What’s your go-to water-saving practice?

 

Key Takeaways

  • Feed soil first; healthy soil feeds plants.

  • Keep it covered, watered deeply, and amended steadily.

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