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.