Simple Signs Every Gardener Can Spot

You don’t need a laboratory and a white coat to know if your garden is in good shape. By using your senses and observing the environment, you can quickly diagnose the health of your soil. 

Here are the top five signs of healthy, productive soil: 

1. Plenty of Earthworms 

If you dig a small hole and find earthworms tunneling through, celebrate! Earthworms are nature’s tillers. Their presence indicates that the soil is rich in organic matter and has enough oxygen for life to thrive. 

2. A Dark, Rich Color 

Generally, darker soil is a sign of high organic content. Pale or washed-out soil often lacks the carbon and nutrients necessary to support heavy-feeding plants like tomatoes or roses. 

3. The "Crumb" Test 

Pick up a handful of moist soil and squeeze it. 

• Healthy soil should form a loose ball that crumbles easily when poked.
• If it stays in a hard, sticky lump, you have too much clay.
• If it falls apart immediately without holding any shape, you have too much sand. 

4. Minimal Weeds and Pests 

Healthy soil grows strong plants with thick cell walls. If your garden is constantly being overrun by pests or specific "indicator weeds" (like dandelions, which thrive in compacted soil), your soil might be stressed or imbalanced. 

5. Deep Root Growth 

Pull up a spent plant or a stray weed. Are the roots long, white, and spread out? Or are they shallow and stunted? Deep root systems indicate that the soil is porous enough for roots to penetrate and find water. 

Pro Tip: If your soil is looking a bit "tired," it’s likely depleted of essential minerals. A balanced application of organic-based fertilizer can recharge the "battery" of your soil and get your garden back on track.