Basic soil types and composting concepts every home gardener should know.
30 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What are the three main soil types?
- Sand, silt, and clay
- Which soil type has the smallest particles?
- Clay
- Which soil type drains water the fastest?
- Sand
- What is loam?
- A balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay in ideal proportions
- Why is loam ideal for gardening?
- It retains moisture while draining well and holds nutrients
- What is soil pH?
- A measure of how acidic or alkaline soil is on a scale of 0 to 14
- What pH range do most garden plants prefer?
- 6.0 to 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral
- What does organic matter do in soil?
- Improves structure, increases water retention, and adds nutrients
- Name the three main components of healthy soil
- Minerals (sand, silt, clay), organic matter, and living organisms
- What is composting?
- The process of breaking down organic materials into nutrient-rich humus
- Name three green compost materials
- Grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds
- Name three brown compost materials
- Dead leaves, shredded paper, straw, wood chips
- Why is a balance of green and brown materials important in composting?
- Greens provide nitrogen, browns provide carbon, both needed for decomposition
- How long does it typically take to make finished compost?
- 2 to 6 months, depending on method and conditions
- What does finished compost look like and smell like?
- Dark brown, crumbly texture, and earthy smell