More growers are realizing that chemical inputs are not the long-term solution to soil fertility or plant health. In fact, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides often harm the very soil life that supports a healthy ecosystem. The good news is that you can rebuild and maintain exceptional soil health naturally—without relying on chemicals. Here’s how to nourish your soil using regenerative, sustainable methods.

Your soil is more than just dirt—it's the foundation of your entire garden or farm. When soil health declines, plants start to struggle. Unfortunately, unhealthy soil can be easy to overlook because the signs aren’t always obvious. Understanding what to watch for—and how to respond—can help you transform tired, compacted, or depleted soil into a thriving ecosystem. Here are five common signs your soil may be in trouble, and actionable steps you can take to improve it.

What Is Healthy Soil—And Why Does It Matter for Your Garden or Farm?

When you think about what it takes to grow healthy plants, soil might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Sunlight, water, and fertilizer usually top the list. But the truth is, healthy soil is the foundation of every productive garden, farm, and landscape. It’s more than just a medium to hold plants in place—healthy soil is a living, breathing ecosystem that fuels plant growth from the ground up.

Beneath every thriving plant lies a complex community of microscopic life that supports its growth. Soil microbes—bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and other organisms—form the foundation of plant health and soil fertility. While invisible to the eye, these microbes carry out critical functions that no synthetic input can replace. Let’s explore the vital role soil microbes play and how you can foster a more biologically active soil.