Do You Know The Best Way To Fortify Your Soil? Plant A Cover Crop!

So often when plants don't thrive, gardeners look for obvious reasons like insect or disease pressure or improper watering. But oftentimes, the problem is nutrient-deficient soil. The most common nutrient deficiency is nitrogen. An easy way to fix a nitrogen deficiency? Plant a cover crop.

Cover Crops:

Replace minerals lost over time
Add organic material & beneficial microorganisms back into soil
Reduce erosion
Prevent weeds

If you notice any of the following conditions, your soil might be nutrient deficient.

Wilting

Wilting might not always be caused by too much sun or heat.
Sometimes wilting leaves or drooping plants are a sign that soil is too low on nitrogen or has improper aeration.

Slow or Stunted Growth

Plants showing slow or stunted growth could be a sign that soil is low in nitrogen, low in acidity or too high in clay content.
Slow growth could also be a sign of a potassium deficiency.
It's always a good idea to test your soil to confirm what it might be deficient in before adding amendments. A good way to add potassium to the soil is by adding a banana peel or two. Just place the peels near the plant and cover with mulch. As it breaks down, it releases its potassium back into the ground.

Colorful Leaves

Did you know that a nitrogen deficiency can cause leaves to yellow?
If you see older leaves turning purple or very dark green with burnt-looking leaf tips, a phosphorus deficiency could be to blame.
If leaves curl inward and have a burnt appearance (especially with purple spots on their undersides), the most likely culprit is a potassium deficiency.

No Blooms

If plants are experiencing good growth, but have little to no blooms, the problem could be an excess of nitrogen in the soil.
Remember to go slow when adding compost or trace minerals to avoid an excess.
Lack of blooms can also be a sign of too few pollinators. Try planting flowers among your veggies to attract birds and bees, who will take care of pollination for you.

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