Know Your Soil

 

A healthy lawn begins with healthy soil. The type of soil you have affects how fast it absorbs water. This helps you know how long to run your sprinklers. Plants grow best in soil that drains well and can hold water.

What soil texture do you have?

  • SANDY SOIL: It feels gritty. It does not stick together when wet, and it drains water quickly.
  • CLAY SOIL: It feels smooth and sticky, and drains water slowly.

You can loosen heavy soils, like clay, by adding organic matter such as compost or kitchen scraps. You can also add topsoil. These materials increase the space between soil particles and help the soil hold more water. Using an aerator reduces soil compaction and helps air and water move through the soil. To learn more, you can read the Improving Soil Quality Leaflet.

Add organic matter

Organic matter improves soil health. You can mix it into the soil or spread it on top. Organic matter adds nutrients, improves soil structure, increases air flow, and helps soil hold water. Examples of organic matter include:

  • Leaves
  • Grass clippings
  • Vegetable food scraps
  • Straw
  • Twigs and chipped branches

You can also use these materials to start your own compost bin. Click here to learn more about composting. 

Test your soil

The OSU Soil Testing Laboratory can test your soil and tell you what nutrients it needs. The Oklahoma County Cooperative Extension Office can give you more information.

Address: 2500 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Phone: 405-713-1125
Fax: 405-947-1199

Protect your soil surface

Add mulch to flower beds and over bare soil around trees. Mulch protects the soil and prevents erosion. Mulch also:

  • Prevents soil splash
  • Regulates soil temperature
  • Prevents weeds from germinating
  • Provides a home for beneficial organisms 
  • Increases soil tilth (suitability to support plant growth) as it decomposes
  • Reduces soil moisture loss so you can water less 

 

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