5 Tips for Protecting Your Backyard Garden from Soil Erosion

Your home is your castle. That said, it’s your responsibility as the head of the household to harness your green thumb’s plant-nourishing powers and transform your garden space into a tranquil oasis. Gardens, aside from being pleasing to the eye, can improve your health. Unbeknownst to most, working up a sweat in the afternoon sun while gardening can lower your risk of developing certain cancers. The exercise and exertion of gardening can help keep your mind limber longer. What’s more, a properly landscaped garden can also improve the resale value of your home.

Potential buyers will recognize that the time and resources funneled into your budding vegetable garden will reflect on the rest of the property. Yet current and aspiring gardeners can encounter some garden-ruining dilemmas. Something as seemingly innocuous as watering your plants while it’s hot outside can be detrimental to your garden’s health, as the water evaporates too quickly to reach the roots of the plant. What’s more, overwatering can be the culprit of decaying plant life and bothersome root rot.

However, applying the correct fertilizer, checking your purchased plants for healthy root systems, and proper pruning can help homeowners achieve a flourishing garden in a snap. For those gardeners-in-training, your garden’s health depends on the nutrient-rich soil left out-of-sight (and often out-of-mind).

Remember, soil acts as the foundation of a successful garden. That said, questionable soil health may translate to unsightly discoloration, cupping leaves, and even browning. When this precious nutrient-dense soil erodes, your garden may begin to suffer the consequences.

Never fear, gardeners! Luckily, with the help of some DIY erosion control strategies, your garden will provide eye-catching blooms and succulent produce. But first, you’ll need to take the following precautions for a garden packed full of plump cherry tomatoes, ready for off-the-vine snacking.

By definition, soil erosion is the movement of topsoil. Natural forces beyond your control may contribute to soil erosion. The culprits? Wind and water. Wind can pick up the topsoil and carry it away, while water can wash it away. Tilling can also increase soil erosion risk. Soil erosion can vary based on many factors, such as climate, soil texture, and whether or not the soil is on a hill or covered in vegetation. Regardless, soil erosion can terrorize your garden before your very eyes.

Soil erosion is detrimental to your garden’s health in many ways. For starters, heavy rain can pick up and carry topsoil away from your garden, leaving seedlings and small plants to be swept away. Grainy soils are at greater risk of falling victim to gusting winds. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to mitigate the impact of soil erosion.

Digging shallow trenches can help divert rainfall away from your plants keeping their soil intact. Consider creating a system of trench pathways that direct the water away from areas susceptible to overwatering damage.

Adding mulch to your garden is an excellent soil-stabilizing strategy. With mulch in your backyard garden, you can insulate these nutrient-rich soils from disruptive wind and water forces. Additionally, mulch can also help minimize evaporation. What’s more, there are several varieties and colors of mulch that you can use to match your home’s color schemes.

Grouping together plants that require the same amounts of water can help prevent overwatering and underwatering, known to wreak havoc on garden spaces. By arranging your plant life based on the plants’ differing hydration needs, you can successfully prevent pesky soil erosion.

If all else fails, consider relocating your garden to a sheltered area or un-sloped terrain to help stop soil erosion. Moving your plants to the place where they can thrive best will benefit your garden immensely.

Gardening is a rewarding hobby with many benefits. Armed with soil erosion knowledge about and these DIY tips, you’re well on your way to putting your green thumb to good use.

Published in: Outdoors | Author: Jana