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Permaculture for the Suburbs

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Home / Building Soil Fertility

Learning How to Build and Maintain Soil Fertility

Soil is a gardener’s most valuable asset. Providing a happy home for soil organisms in your garden can pay dividends.

Learn ideas for building and maintaining soil fertility, including fixing compacted soil, enriching with soil amendments, working with water and improving drainage, mulching, companion planting, and more.

Healthy plants don’t grow alone. Learn how living soil supports plant health through roots, microbes, organic matter, air, and water—and discover five practical ways to nurture soil ecology for a stronger, more self-renewing garden.

A garden view shows annual crops intermingled with perennials and flowers with a forest backdrop.

A monoculture may look tidy, but it concentrates risk. Discover five simple ways to increase biodiversity, support healthier soil and natural pest control, and build greater garden resilience.

Compost used to be the heart of organic gardening. Now, herbicide contamination is a major concern. Learn 5 questions to ask before buying compost soil.

Compost can easily be contaminated with persistent herbicide which may harm your garden. Learn the cause and how to keep it out of your compost bin.

Raised beds on pavement is a strategy for gardeners with limited growing space. Learn how to grow food on paved surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.

Raised beds on pavement is a strategy for gardeners with limited growing space. Learn how to grow food on paved surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.

Borage is a useful herb with delightful blue-purple flowers. Here are six reasons to grow this cousin to comfrey in the permaculture garden.

Daikon radishes

Got compaction? These clay-busting plants penetrate heavy soil to leave it loosened, aerated, and enriched. Jumpstart a regenerative garden ecology.

How to Improve Clay Soil in 6 Steps

Heavy clay soil can be frustrating. Follow this 6-step plan to improve soil so you can garden with ease and grow crops that thrive.

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Author Box

Amy StrossHi, I’m Amy!

I'm the author of
The Suburban Micro-Farm:
Modern Solutions for Busy People
.

Join me as I share my permaculture gardening adventures in the suburbs.

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Topics

  1. Building Soil Fertility
  2. Composting
  3. Edible Landscaping
  4. Garden Planning
  5. Growing and Using Herbs
  6. Growing Fruit Crops
  7. Growing Vegetables
  8. Permaculture Gardening
  9. Rainwater Harvesting
  10. Suburban Homesteading

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