Know Thy Soil: A CSL Compost and Soil Decoder


Knowing your soil is one of the keys to gardening. It tells you what you can grow or any amendments you need to make to grow what you want.

City Style and Living Soil Decoder
/ Collage K&S Media

Knowing your soil is one of the keys to gardening. Essentially, there are 5 types of soil: clay, sandy, chalk, loam and silt. These categories tell you about moisture, composition and drainage. It also tells you what you can grow or any amendments you need to make to grow what you want. Compost is one of the best amendments for soil. It allows for better drainage and moisture retention. Below is Here is CSL’s Compost and Soil Decoder:

WORM CASTINGS

WHAT
Rich fertilizer left from worms breaking down organic matter. Packed with slowly released nutrients, it promotes strong, healthy plants.

USE
Simply mix with equal parts coconut coir to start seedlings. Apply as mulch in fall.

GARDEN
At the beginning of growing season, work into soil, then reapply on soil surface once a month.

LAWN
Aerate and add a thin layer once a year, preferably in spring.

BENEFIT
All 5 types of soil can be improved: clay becomes less compact; sand more absorbent; chalk more aerated; loam more nutrients; and silt less erosion.

SPECS
Home Hardware Pure Life Soil Organic Worm Castings, 20 L, $25.99; homehardware.ca


MUSHROOM COMPOST

WHAT
Manure mix left from growing mushrooms which may include peat moss, animal manure, gypsum, lime and straw.

USE
For beds, lawns, trees and bushes not for germinating, seedlings, salt-intolerant or ericaceous plants.

GARDEN
Mix about 3-inches into the soil of established vegetable and flower beds and work to 6-inches depth.

LAWN
Use instead of fertilizer, once a year.

BENEFIT
Best for certain soil: clay breaks down; sand becomes more water retentive; chalk gets more drainage.

SPECS
Home Hardware C-I-L Mushroom Compost Soil, 25 L, $5.69; homehardware.ca


GARDEN SOIL

WHAT
Topsoil to which peat, composted manure, and organic matter have been added. Best to boost root growth.

USE
To create loose, airy, crumbly, moisture-retaining and well-draining soil that will feed plants over time.

GARDEN
Work into soil for flowers, bushes, trees, fruit and vegetables. For extra nutrients add seaweed or seed meal.

LAWN
Best choice for reseeding: till soil, then mix with one third compost, before broadcasting seed.

BENEFIT
For clay reduces compaction; helps sandy soil retain moisture; chalk gets organic matter; silt better drainage.

SPECS
Canadian Tire Golfgreen Garden Soil, 28.3-L, $7.99; canadiantire.ca


BLACK EARTH

WHAT
Also known as humus, it is decomposed organic matter. It may contain high amounts of peat moss.

USE
To ensure nutrients plants need are available, mix with equal quantities compost and work into beds.

GARDEN
For large flower containers use as one of the top layers with various organic materials sitting beneath. 

LAWN
Sprinkle before laying down sod or before reseeding.

BENEFIT
As it helps retain moisture and create friability, it is the preferred base for making your own soil mix. For example, add compost, vermiculite, coir, seaweed and worm castings.

SPECS
Canadian Tire Garden Club Black Earth, 25 L, $2.79; canadiantire.ca

This original Lifestyle article first appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.