Your soil is alive!

A thriving soil ecosystem is teeming with life!

Until recently, most soil microorganisms were invisible to us—too small to see under a microscope—so they were ignored. Bacteria and fungi were often viewed as harmful, and the goal was to eliminate them to create a “sterile” environment for plants. 

Now we know better!

99% of soil microbes are beneficial—they work with plants to keep them healthy. They form a living network that sustains your garden in surprising ways: 

• Feed plants by dissolving nutrients from rocks and delivering them to roots—in exchange for sugars. 
• Protect plants by eating harmful pathogens and outcompeting disease-carrying organisms. 
• Build strong soil by binding particles into clumps (aggregates), preventing erosion. 
• Create air pockets so roots can breathe and water can soak in. 
• Store water and nutrients like a sponge, reducing runoff and waste. 
• Defend plants—some microbes respond to a plant’s “distress call” when pests attack! 

Meet Your Soil’s Tiny Heroes!

Bacteria – Nature’s recyclers! 

• Break down organic matter & release nutrients. 
• Some “fix” nitrogen from the air or extract minerals from rocks. 
• Help soil hold water and resist erosion. 

Fungi – The underground nutrient network 

• Form partnerships with plant roots, extending their reach for nutrients. 
• Decompose tough organic matter (like wood).  
• Eat bacteria, fungi, and organic matter, releasing plant-ready nutrients. 
• Their movement creates tiny tunnels, improving soil texture and helping your plant roots to breathe

Protozoa & Nematodes – The nutrient cyclers! 

Eat bacteria, fungi, and organic matter, releasing plant-ready nutrients. 

Their movement creates tiny tunnels, improving soil texture and helping your plant roots to breathe

How Do I Know If My Soil Is Healthy?

Try these simple soil tests to check out how well it drains, how many worms live in it, and how well it holds together in water – useful indicators of

• Soil fertility
• How well your soil will stand up to floods and drought
• Pest and diseases resistance

Tips to Improve Soil Health

🌱Plant green manures (cover crops) like phacelia and buckwheat. They: 

• Prevent erosion & compaction 
• Shade soil from UV rays 
• Protect microbes from harsh weather 
• Lock in nutrients 

🔄 Minimize soil disturbance 

• Hoe lightly instead of deep digging 
• Use mulch or cover crops to protect soil life 

♻️ Make & use compost

• Even a thin layer introduces beneficial microbes! 
• Locally made compost adapts best—your microbes are true “Brummies”! 

⚠️ Avoid synthetic chemicals

• Fertilizers, herbicides, and fungicides harm helpful microbes. 
• Chemicals can leach into groundwater, harming wildlife.