How to revitalise soil organically

Soil is the foundation of any thriving garden, but over time, it can become depleted of essential nutrients, leading to poor plant growth. Instead of relying on synthetic fertilisers, you can naturally restore soil health using organic methods that improve soil structure, support beneficial soil organisms, and enhance fertility. Here’s how.

 

1. Add organic matter for soil health (your earthworms will love you!)

Improve soil health, fertility, and soil type with compost, manure, and mulch

Incorporating organic matter like compost, aged manure (avoid fresh horse manure unless hot-composted to eliminate weed seeds), or leaf mulch is one of the best ways to enrich your soil. These materials help decompose organic material, improve soil texture, moisture retention, introduce beneficial microbes and break down into a natural fertiliser.

How to apply

• Spread a layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the soil and mix it into the top few inches.
• Use mulch, such as shredded leaves, wood chips, or straw, to protect and gradually nourish the soil.
• Be mindful that carbon-rich materials like straw and fresh wood chips can temporarily deplete nitrogen in the soil. To counteract this, layer manure or nitrogen-rich amendments underneath.
• For best results, rotate mulch types to maintain a diverse microbial environment.
• Regularly add organic matter to maintain long-term soil fertility.
• Encourage decomposition by incorporating compost activators, such as alfalfa meal or aged manure.

 

2. Do a soil test and check soil pH

Improve soil type and fertility

Biofertilisers introduce beneficial microbes that help break down organic material, making nutrients more available to plants. Unlike synthetic fertilisers, they work in harmony with soil organisms to promote long-term soil health.

Food2Soil biofertilisers – not your ordinary fertiliser!

• Made from fermented food waste: naturally boosts microbial activity and improves soil health by easing root access to nutrients.
• Improved plant health long-term: adds the necessary trace minerals and soil fertility to support plant resilience and enhanced growth.

How to do a soil test

• Collect soil samples from different areas of your garden at a depth of about 10–15 cm.
• Mix the samples together to get an average reading of your soil conditions.
• Use a soil test kit to check pH and nutrient levels, or send it to a lab for a comprehensive analysis.
• If you suspect contamination, send a sample to a verified lab to check for heavy metals or toxins.
• Based on the results, adjust your soil with organic matter, compost, biofertilisers, or natural amendments to balance nutrients and improve soil health.
• Monitor soil health annually to ensure long-term fertility.

 

3. Rotate crops and grow cover crops or green manure crops

Improve soil fertility and structure

Growing the same plants in the same spot year after year depletes soil nutrients and can increase disease and fungal disease load. Crop rotation and cover crops help restore balance by giving nature the reins and letting it sort itself out.

How to do it

• Rotate plant families each season to maintain soil fertility and prevent pest and disease buildup.
• Grow cover crops like oats, rye, or field peas during fallow periods to protect and enhance the soil. Cover crops act as living mulch, preventing erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving soil organic matter when incorporated into the soil.
• Choose green manure crops such as clover, vetch, or mustard to fix nitrogen, break up compacted soil, and introduce organic matter. Green manure crops differ from cover crops in that they are specifically grown to be turned into the soil before they reach maturity, enriching it with nutrients as they decompose.
• Let your crops grow until just before flowering, then cut and incorporate them into the soil for added organic matter, nutrients, and microbial activity. Your earthworms and other ground dwellers will greatly benefit!
• Be mindful with whichever crop you choose that it is not going to become a 'problem' plant in the future. Personally, I like to choose a multifunctional plant like 'winter lettuce' because it's edible (just ;) ), gives great coverage when sown thickly, is very easy to keep alive, provides lovely purply blue flowers, and keeps the soil 'alive'.
• Rotate legumes with leafy greens to optimise soil health and nitrogen availability.

 

4. Introduce natural soil amendments

Improve drainage, soil structure, and fertility

Natural amendments replenish essential minerals and nutrients, improve drainage, and create optimal conditions for microbial life, which is crucial for proper functioning soil systems.

Recommended natural amendments

• Biochar – enhances microbial life, increases water retention, and improves soil structure, especially in sandy or clay soils.
• Rock dust – replenishes essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
• Worm castings – packed with nutrients and beneficial microbes for soil fertility.
• Gypsum – helps break up compacted clay soil and improves drainage.
• Wood ash – raises soil pH and adds potassium for plant growth.
• Fish emulsion – provides a quick nutrient boost for depleted soil.

 

5. Reduce soil disturbance

Protect soil organisms and moisture levels

Excessive tilling disrupts soil structure, depletes moisture, and harms soil organisms. Minimal or no-dig gardening helps maintain good soil health.

No-dig gardening tips

• Layer organic matter on top rather than digging it in.
• Use mulch or green manure crops to suppress weeds and nourish the soil naturally.
• Avoid walking on garden beds to prevent soil compaction.
• Use 'walking boards' across large garden beds to prevent compaction. This can be as simple as laying down a plank of wood and using it as a path—it redistributes the weight and keeps traffic in one area.
• Grow root crops to aerate soil—favorite by far for this is Daikon, AKA pasture radish, followed by the humble carrot.
• Increase biodiversity in your soil by planting a variety of species in one area.
• Minimise disruption by using a broad fork to aerate instead of deep tilling.

 

6. Maintain proper moisture levels

Support plant roots and soil health

Healthy soil requires consistent moisture but should never be waterlogged. Water-wise gardening techniques help keep the right balance.

How to keep soil hydrated

• Apply mulch (it's a MUST) to reduce evaporation and improve drainage.
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong plant roots.
• Use drip irrigation systems to limit water evaporation.
• Try and use alternatives to sprinklers, as they can lose a lot of moisture to evaporation, encourage fungal disease in plant leaves, and are pretty inefficient.
• In hot weather, water in the early morning or late evening. Evening is best as the water has the whole night to be absorbed!
• Improve water retention in sandy soils by adding organic matter and biochar.
• If irrigation systems aren't an option, investigate ‘ollas’ (buried clay pots) and using upturned 'leaky' bottles to slow-release water to plant roots.
• Collect rainwater and use it strategically for watering needs.
• Improve water infiltration by incorporating compost and organic matter into soil beds.

Final thoughts on soil health

Hint: organic matter and microbes are key

Reviving soil naturally is a long-term investment in the health of your garden. Soil health isn’t just about nutrients—it’s about life. The key is fostering a living, breathing ecosystem beneath the surface.

By incorporating compost, cover crops, green manure crops, soil amendments, biofertilisers, and water-wise techniques, you can create good soil that supports thriving plants year after year.

Need a natural and biologically alive solution for your garden bed? Explore our range of organic biofertilisers and soil health products to rejuvenate your garden naturally.

 

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FAQ's: How to revitalise soil organically

1. Why does soil lose its fertility over time?

Soil health declines when nutrients are continuously extracted by plants without being replenished. Poor soil structure, lack of organic matter, and imbalanced pH (too alkaline or acidic) can lead to compacted, lifeless soil. Adding organic matter, promoting earthworms and fungi, and using biofertilisers can restore soil fertility naturally.

2. How do I know if my soil is acidic or alkaline?

Perform a soil test using a DIY kit or send a sample to a lab.

• Acidic soil (pH below 6): Can be improved by adding lime, compost, or organic matter.
• Alkaline soil (pH above 7.5): Benefits from sulfur, organic compost, and mulch.

Balancing soil pH ensures plants can efficiently absorb nutrients.

3. How does adding organic matter improve soil?

Organic matter—like compost, aged manure, and mulch—feeds soil microbes, improves moisture retention, and enhances soil structure. Plus, your earthworms will thrive, further breaking down organic material and aerating the soil.

4. What’s the difference between cover crops and green manure crops?

Both help improve soil fertility and structure, but they serve different purposes:

• Cover crops (e.g., oats, rye) protect the soil from erosion and suppress weeds.
• Green manure crops (e.g., clover, vetch) are specifically grown to be tilled into the soil, enriching it with nitrogen and organic matter.

5. What biofertilisers work best for soil rejuvenation?

Food2Soil biofertilisers provide a natural and biologically alive solution for soil health:

• Food2Soil All-Purpose Biofertiliser: Boosts microbial activity and overall plant health. Contains live microbes that transform lifeless dirt into productive soil and is great for all plant types, including veggies, ornamentals and Australian natives.
• Food2Soil All-Purpose Biofertiliser with added seaweed: Boosts plant health and reduces susceptibility to pests, disease, heat stress and frost. Just as good as the Food2Soil All-Purpose Biofertiliser, but the added seaweed makes vegetables, fruit trees, microgreens, lawns, annual bulbs, and ornamentals such as roses, azaleas and camellias absolutely love it!

Unlike synthetic fertilisers, biofertilisers work with soil microbes instead of against them. Check out our application rates here.

6. How do earthworms and fungi contribute to soil health?

• Earthworms aerate the soil, improve drainage, and create nutrient-rich castings.
• Fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, helping them access nutrients that might otherwise be unavailable.

A garden rich in organic matter naturally attracts both!

7. What are the best natural soil amendments for improving structure and drainage?

Depending on your soil type, these natural amendments can help:

• Biochar – Enhances microbial life and water retention.
• Rock dust – Replenishes essential minerals.
• Worm castings – Improve soil fertility and moisture retention.
• Gypsum – Helps loosen compacted clay soil.

8. Should I till my soil or use a no-dig approach?

Frequent tilling disrupts fungal networks and beneficial microbes, leading to moisture loss and compaction. Instead, try no-dig gardening:

• Add organic matter on top instead of digging it in.
• Use mulch or cover crops to naturally suppress weeds.
• Grow deep-rooted plants like daikon radish to aerate the soil.

9. How can I prevent soil from drying out?

• Mulch is a must! It reduces evaporation and regulates temperature.
• Water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth.
• Use drip irrigation or ‘ollas’ (buried clay pots) for water efficiency.
• Water in the evening to maximize absorption.

10. How can I prepare my soil for the next growing season?

• Test and adjust soil pH with organic amendments.
• Add compost and biofertilisers to boost soil microbes.
• Plant cover crops during off-seasons to protect and enrich the soil.
• Apply mulch to retain moisture and prevent erosion.