Adapting to climate change by protecting our soil

As our area warms and experiences more extreme weather, how can we protect our gardens? Climate change will bring heat, strong winds, flooding and drought. It will also bring new pests, invasive species, missing pollinators, and rapidly changing habitat. Providing a nourishing garden soil will keep plants healthy during these challenging times. Native plant landscapes not only protect our soil but also take carbon out of the air and store it in the soil, allowing us to live.

A healthy deep soil filled with beneficial fungi and microbes will give gardens the best chance at adapting to change. We will not be able to control many of the stressors our gardens will be facing in the future but we can prepare. Healthy soils can release nutrients when our plants need them and store more water.

Plants suffering through drought benefit from deep soils with lots of organic matter that can absorb lots of rain when it is plentiful and then release it to the plants when they need it later. Healthy uncompacted soils promote healthy root growth which help trees to anchor firmly and withstand storms. Plants with well-established root systems can better withstand competition from invasive species. Healthy plants are better able to fight off new pests.

To build a healthy soil, add organic matter to garden soil by leaving plant debris in the garden. Keep soil surfaces covered with plants to capture moisture and make an ideal habitat for soil microbes. Capture rainwater and surface water and infiltrate it into the garden soil using raingardens. Never use pesticides or herbicides and avoid adding mulches that may be contaminated. Avoid compacting soil especially when it is wet and do not break it up or till. Keep the soil structure in its natural layers that are perfect for soil life.

Plant perennial native plants with their deep roots that transport nutrients deep into the soil. Each species has its own symbiotic micro fauna and flora supporting the root system by providing nutrients. Keep a wide variety of species to support as much soil life as possible. Old plant roots can die back and decay deep in the soil, providing even more nutrients at deeper soil layers.

The future is uncertain and we are already beginning to experience the extremes that come with climate change. Start now on your safety net of soil to help your garden survive the storm. As we grow our rich soil now we help to protect our future selves by creating a deep carbon sync to keep harmful carbon out of our atmosphere.