One of the most critical factors that determine appropriate growth of garden plants is the soil that is being used for keeping these plants. Good soil is required for providing proper nutrition and moisture to the plant. Soil can be termed as good for growing vegetables in a garden only if it can retain enough moisture, provide sufficient nutrients, can hold the plant and support the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

An ideal soil should have a composition containing 50 percent solids and 50 percent porous space. Porous space is required to provide room for water, air and plant roots. Soil can be classified into clay, silt and sand depending on the size of particles. Loam soil is best suited for the growth of plants as it contains 20 percent clay, 40 percent silt and 40 percent sand.

Texture and structure of the soil is another factor that plays a fundamental role in the growth of the plant and crop yield. Water retention capacity and drainage ability of a soil type is dependant on its texture. Dead and decaying organic matter is widely used to improve the texture of the soil. You can easily make organic matter in your own backyard by using materials like ground corncobs, sawdust, bark chips, hay, grass clippings, eggshells, vegetable peels and kitchen waste. All these organic materials should be allowed to get degraded and decomposed in pits by microorganisms. Earthworms can be used to hasten the process. Most microorganisms decomposing organic wastes are also useful for the growth of plants as they provide certain micronutrients. These microbes regulate the levels of essentials minerals like nitrogen, sulfur, potassium and carbon in the soil during the process of decomposition.

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