Climate Change and Our Gardens: Organic Matter

Climate change can be a real headache for gardeners. We have to cope with unpredictable weather conditions: prolonged droughts, torrential rains, heat waves and late frosts. All this can stress our plants (and us!) and upset their growth cycles. Not to mention the new pests and diseases that are taking advantage of warming to spread northwards.

Adapting to Change

How can we adapt our gardens to both dry and extremely wet conditions? With moist, well-drained soil! Although it may seem contradictory, it is possible to have soil that remains moist yet well-drained. The secret? Organic matter!

Organic matter is the hero of the garden! When you add it to the soil, it improves its structure by increasing its porosity. As a result, air and water circulate more freely, boosting drainage. It also helps to form aggregates, those little clusters of soil particles that create spaces between them, allowing water to drain easily and avoiding soggy soils.

At the same time, organic matter acts like a sponge. It absorbs water and gradually releases it to plants as the soil begins to dry out. The result is soil that stays moist without getting soggy.

Finally, by improving soil structure, organic matter also prevents compaction, which is great for drainage. A well-structured soil rich in organic matter allows excess water to drain away, while retaining just enough moisture to keep your plants happy.

How Do You Add Organic Matter to Soil?

Most plants prefer moist, well-drained soil, or can adapt to it. To achieve this, simply add organic matter. This technique works on both sandy and clay soils. Sandy soils require more organic matter, as it will wash out quickly, while clay soils, although more difficult to work with, will benefit just as much.

1. Compost and Manure

To enrich your soil without too much effort, add well-decomposed compost. Spread it on the surface or lightly incorporate it. Compost works wonders in improving soil structure and providing essential nutrients. Do it in spring and autumn, before planting or after harvesting, and you’ll have fertile, well-structured soil without tiring yourself out.

If you have access to manure, it’s a good alternative to compost. Be careful with fresh manure, however: it can “burn” plants, introduce weeds and transmit bacteria to humans. Make sure it is well composted before use, or wait 120 days before harvesting any vegetables or fruits.

2. Organic Mulch

Organic mulch is a laidback gardener’s best friend. Use dead leaves, wood chips, straw or grass clippings. Spread a layer of mulch around plants and flowerbeds. Not only does it conserve moisture and reduce weeds, but as it decomposes, mulch enriches your soil with organic matter, making it doubly moist and well-drained. Apply it all year round, especially in spring and summer, and let nature do the rest.

3. Green Manure

Cover crops, such as clover or rye, are perfect for those who like to keep things simple. Sow these plants between your main crops. Once well established, mow them and mix them into the soil. These plants enrich the soil with organic matter without you having to do much. Use them after harvest or during the fallow period, and enjoy improved soil without extra effort.

4. Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers, such as plant extracts, fish emulsions and organic flours bring essential nutrients to the soil and add more organic matter. Although this is in modest quantities compared to good old compost and manure, it’s still better than synthetic fertilizers. To really enrich your soil, there’s nothing like organic soil amendments like compost, well-decomposed manure and green manures.

5. Plant Debris

Leave crop residues and plant debris to decompose naturally on the soil. At the end of the growing season, leave them in place until spring. This debris will add nutrients to the soil and improve its structure, while preparing your garden for the following season. It’s a simple, effective way to enrich your soil without lifting a finger.

Versatile and Resilient Plants

To really adapt your garden to changing climatic conditions, choose plants that tolerate both drought and wet conditions. Some plants are perfect for dry periods, while others thrive in wet conditions. Even if the selection isn’t huge, choosing plants suited to a variety of conditions will ensure that your garden remains beautiful and resilient, whatever the weather.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be bringing you selections of perennials, shrubs and trees that are versatile and resilient in these changing times.