5 Organic Soil Amendments for the Medicinal Garden

Spring is in the air, and while it’s still too early for many of us to plant, it is the perfect time to consider soil amendments to help our gardens grow through the coming season. There is a vast world of soil amendments to choose from. However, if you’re getting ready to add in a medicine garden, you may be wondering which soil amendments are right for medicinal plants. 

If you want to cultivate a sustainable medicinal garden this season, tending to your soil’s health with organic amendments will be a critical aspect of helping it thrive. Soil provides plants with essential nutrients, physical support, and water; caring for your soil is fundamental for any gardener.

Organic vs. Inorganic Soil Amendments 

Soil amendments fall into two broad primary categories: organic and inorganic. As the name suggests, organic amendments come from living things and, therefore, contain carbon and at least one other element. Inorganic amendments, on the other hand, are either mined or man-made. 

Organic Amendments

Organic amendments increase the soil's organic content. Used properly over time, they can improve soil aeration, water and nutrient-holding capacity, and soil aeration. Many organic amendments contain plant nutrients and can also act as organic fertilizers. Examples of organic amendments include alfalfa meal, biochar, worm castings, and manure. 

Inorganic Soil Amendments

Inorganic amendments are used to improve soil texture and drainage as well as increase soil's water and air permeability. However, these amendments will not decompose in your soil in your lifetime. Inorganic soil amendments do not contain carbon. They include plastics, vermiculite, sand, gravel, lime, perlite and gypsum. 

5 Organic Soil Amendments for the Medicinal Garden

Biochar 

Biochar is a carbon-rich charcoal-like substance created from organic waste or biomass heated at high temperatures in an oxygen-free environment. This process is called pyrolysis. Biochar improves the soil's moisture-holding capacity, improves nutrient retention, softens the soil, and boosts harvests. It is one of my favorite soil amendments to use. The downside is that the upfront cost can be high; however, once added, as it lasts in the soil for hundreds of years, it becomes a one-and-done additive unless you create new beds.

Organic Mulch

Mulch is used over the top of the soil as an insulating layer to protect plants against extreme temperatures and water loss. Mulching with organic materials such as shredded woodchips, leaf litter, yard waste, and straw can improve soil conditions by preventing weed growth and maintaining moisture levels. Organic mulches break down over time, adding additional organic material and nutrients to the soil. 

Coconut coir 

Coconut coir is a natural and sustainable byproduct of the coconut harvesting process. It is derived from the fibrous husk between the outer shell and the inner flesh of the coconut. Coconut coir, or coconut fiber, can improve soil drainage and structure by creating air pockets, which promote healthy root space and improve aeration.

Mushroom compost 

Mushroom compost is the gardener’s best friend. It enriches the soil with organic matter, improving soil structure, helps to prevent soil erosion, and promotes healthy soil biodiversity. If you don’t make your own compost, mushroom compost is an environmentally friendly, natural, and renewable byproduct of the mushroom industry. 

Worm Castings or Vermicompost

Worm castings, also known as vermicompost, are created by earthworms as they decompose organic waste. Our wriggly little friends are incredible decomposers, using their digestive processes to turn food scraps into nutrient-dense, all-natural fertilizer. When added to soil, worm castings add minerals, improve soil structure, and inoculate soil with living microorganisms.  

Let’s Get Growing!

An investment in the health of your soil is an investment in the health of your harvest, and particularly when it comes to medicinal plants, health is what we’re after! Before the growing season starts, incorporating organic amendments into the soil can help bolster the health and vitality of your medicinal garden. These amendments not only provide immediate nutrition to plants but also help enhance the soil structure, improve water retention, and increase nutrient-holding capacity. 

Early spring and late fall are the best times to add soil amendments to give them the time they need to work their way into the soil and start making the desired improvements. Keep in mind that not every soil amendment is necessary or suitable for every garden. 

As the ​​planting season approaches, we invite you to share your gardening plans and the amendments you think will be most beneficial to your medicinal garden this year. By doing so, you become part of a community of like-minded gardeners, all striving to create healthy and sustainable gardens. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, we welcome your insights and experiences. our Gardening for Beginners remember, for more helpful tips and advice, visit our Gardening for Beginners page.

Until next time,