Soil Amendments
Success in the garden starts with healthy, nutrient filled soil and unfortunately most of us are working with soil that could use a little or a lot of help or amending.
What are Soil Amendments?
A soil amendment is anything added to soil to improve the soil’s ability to positively affect a plants growth. There are several reasons soil amendments might be needed but the two most common are the soil’s soil texture and pH.
Amendments at SummerWinds:
Not sure which amendment would be best for your garden? Stop by any of our 5 convenient Bay Area locations and our resident experts can assist you with selecting the right one for your soil
SummerWinds Planting Mix
100% Natural and Organic all-purpose planting mix for flowers, trees, vegetables and ornamentals. Formulated for the Bay Area, this exceptional planting mix has received the CDFA seal of approval. Blended with aged redwood, rice hulls, chicken manure and feather meal.
Redi-Gro Chicken Manure
This is an excellent source of natural nutrients when rototilled into vegetable and flower gardens. Apply by mixing around the base of trees and shrubs or lightly to top-dress lawn areas.
E.B. Stone Organics Organic Compost
Composts and the organic matter they contain are the foundation of rich garden soils and a key component of successful organic gardens of all kinds making this amendment an invaluable addition to any garden. It’s ideal for use in vegetable gardens and flower beds, around trees and shrubs, and even on lawns. It can be added to the soil at time of planting or used as a surface mulch later on. Ingredients: Compost
E.B. Stone Naturals Top Soil Plus
100% Natural Garden Amendment - This general purpose soil mixture developed for virtually any outdoor use, can be used as a fill material in a garden area that needs rebuilding or as a soil conditioner in the garden. Because it doesn’t contain any nutrient value, we suggest you use one of E. B. Stone’s fertilizers in combination with its use in the garden. Ingredients: Sandy loam, redwood compost and mushroom compost.
E.B. Stone Organics Earthworm Castings
Super Earthworm Castings, 100% Organic Garden Amendment is a natural organic soil conditioner. It helps loosen hard soils, improve soil aeration and conserve water. An excellent addition to native soils.
E.B. Stone Naturals Steer Manure
E.B. Stone Steer Manure adds important organic matter back to the garden. It is fully composted for best results. Spring is a great time to add steer manure at planting time and again in the fall. Ingredients: Steer Manure
E.B. Stone Naturals Soil Sulfur
Sulfur is an essential protein ingredient for plants – it helps maintain the green color of leaves and aids in the use of nitrogen fertilizer by the plant. Ultimately lowering the soil’s pH. It will help to acidify native soil.
Peat Moss
E.B. Stone Organics Peat Moss Admix
This is an organic soil additive useful for improving the water retention of all types of soils, including potting mixes. Great for plants that require acidic soil and perfect for new tender roots.
Premier Spagnum Peat Moss
A Canadian Sphagnum, natural and organic that retains moisture, only to release it when the plant need it. OMRI Listed. An excellent potting mix component. 1 cu ft. Bag
Perlite
E.B. Organics Perlite Mix
This is a natural mineral that helps improve aeration and drainage for potted plants. It helps promote root growth and since it’s light weight, it’s especially ideal for delicate root systems. It can also help prevent soil from becoming compacted indoors or out.
Uni-Gro Perlite
This is a lightweight blend of porous granules used in container soil mixes to enhance moisture retention and aeration. Perlite can also be used to aid seed germination and the cultivation of plant cuttings.
For Assistance with Drainage
E.B. Stone Organics Pumice
This is ideal for mixing into any soil to allow for extra drainage. It is a perfect additive for succulents.
Uni-Gro Vermiculite
This soil additive uses its accordion-like particles to amend soil by retaining water, improving aeration and prolonging nutrient release. Its ability to retain both air and water makes vermiculite ideal for conditioning container soils. Vermiculite can also be used for seed germination, bulb storage and flower arranging.
Redi-Gro Horticulture Sand
It’s great for increasing drainage and loosening soil and creating play areas.