Soil Building

Soil building encompasses many different things, as the soil is its own living and changing ecosystem. While it's possible to grow plants without soil, the vast majority of gardeners use it -- soil is everywhere in all of its myriad forms.

Here, we explain all things soil-based as well as the things that are used to improve that soil. Our writing team provides insight into not just soil types and textures, but also composting, cover cropping for soil improvement, mulching for the myriad of benefits it offers, and so many more things.

We'll explore different organic fertilizers and how they work, techniques like the Back To Eden or no-till methods of gardening, and even delve into the many forms of mulch that can be used to reduce erosion and maintain soil moisture.

Organic gardeners know full well the value of having good soil, and the interplay between organic matter and mineral inputs is key to guaranteeing that you have a living, beneficial, and healthy soil food web. To many, the soil is an entirely new frontier waiting to be explored... and so we'll explore it along with you, step by step.

With a little know-how, you too can improve your existing soil in the yard, learn which amendments are necessary or unnecessary in your situation, and optimize for the best outcome for your specific plant types.

A close-up and overhead shot of a black colored bucket, filled with bran and food scraps, showcasing how to make a DIY bokashi

Bokashi Compost Buckets: An Easy DIY Method

Composting weeds

5 Foolproof Ways to Compost Weeds

Perlite

Soil Improvement

Perlite: What It Is And How To Use It Right

Perlite improves aeration, improves water drainage, and so much more. Learn all about perlite and its many uses in our in-depth guide!

Cottonseed meal, an organic fertilizer

23 Organic Fertilizer Types and How To Use Them

If your plants are struggling to grow, you might need to amend your soil with organic fertilizer. Learn about them and how to use them here.

Composting Leaves: How to Break Down Fallen Leaves Fast

Achieving fast decay when composting leaves can be difficult because they take long to break down. These tips from horticultural expert Sarah Jay will help you speed the process.

A close-up shot of several tipped over pots with spilled ground perlite and vermiculite, mixed with soil

Soil Improvement

Perlite vs Vermiculite: What’s the Difference?

The difference between vermiculite vs. perlite can be a little confusing and has caused debate among gardeners. We explain it in depth here!

Maggots in compost pile.

Soil Improvement

Maggots in Compost? What You Need to Know

Maggots in compost can be a disgusting thing to see, but are they bad or good for your compost? Epic Gardening Founder Kevin Espiritu tells all, and the answer may surprise you!

Mulch Ideas to Save Money

15 Cheap Mulch Ideas to Save Money

If you're gardening on a budget, there are several areas where you can save money, including sourcing mulch. Kevin Espiritu lists 15 of his favorite ideas for finding cheap (or free) mulch.

A focused shot of a person's hand holding coco coir

What is Coco Coir and How to Use it

Coco coir is an amazing growing medium. Find out what it is, how it's made, and the best coco coir to use in your garden in this complete guide by Epic Gardening Founder Kevin Espiritu.

Close up of a gardener's hand adding compost to a potted strawberry plant, choosing between compost vs. fertilizer

Compost vs. Fertilizers: What’s the Difference?

Close-up of dark, fibrous peat moss with a spongy texture, showing its rich, crumbly consistency.

Peat Moss: Using Sphagnum Peat In The Garden

Kelp fertilizer, made of seaweed washed up on shore appearing wet with sea water laying on fine and damp sand

The Many Benefits of Liquid Kelp Fertilizer

Liquid kelp fertilizer is a secret weapon of gardeners and farmers worldwide. It boosts root growth, increases flowering rates, and maximizes vegetable size. Learn what it is and how to use it in this guide by Epic Gardening Founder Kevin Espiritu.