Plants that are not flourishing often do not have the nutrients in the soil to support them. That and the unusually hot weather that has been happening has compounded the problem. Soil is what holds water and nutrients making them available to plants. To help your plants beat the heat, Heatwave in the Garden: How to Identify and Prevent Heat Stress in Plants will be valuable.

Testing your soil would allow you to see if any necessary plant nutrients are too high or low. Any extensive testing will include a pH test and might be a good place to start. A pH that is too high or too low can bind nutrients (or minerals) to the soil making them unavailable to plants. The Lane County Master Gardeners do offer pH testing during the year. Contact the Lane County Plant Clinic <personal data hidden> or<personal data hidden> and ask when their next scheduled pH testing day is. Included with the test is information on how to correct your pH for your particular plants. If you would like a more extensive test that includes soil nutrients, the publications, Analytical Laboratories Serving Oregon and A Guide to Collecting Soil Samples, offer information on testing facilities and how to collect a soil sample.

There are several ways to help your soil. Adding organic matter is one of the best. Organic matter is made of decaying plant residue that will improve the soil. They cause air, water, and plant nutrients to become more available and allow for strong and healthy plant and root growth. Organic matter can be shredded leaves, grass clippings (from a lawn that has not been treated with any chemicals), or compost. Compost can be bought at a local landscaping supply store, or you can make your own Compost in the Backyard.

Although it is best to add organic matter before plants are added to your landscape. You can add 1 to 2 inches around your flowers and shrubs as mulch, or gently loosen the soil, being careful not to disturb the roots, and add compost to the loosened soil. When adding organic matter, it is best to work it in with hand tools. Rototilling can lead to more compaction and destroys the soil’s texture that allow for the necessary holding areas for the water, air, nutrients, and other beneficial soil organisms.

Another way to help your plants and soil is by fertilizing. Fertilizer can be added at the same time as organic matter. The type of fertilizer should be decided by what you are growing and what is suggested for that plant. General landscape plants do not usually need too much fertilizer, but there are exceptions such as rhododendrons, azaleas, and lawns. If you do a soil test, use it as a guideline on what and how much fertilizer to add.

Be sure to use mulch around your plants. Mulch has additional benefits for your soil. Mulches, such as wood chips, bark dust, and sawdust helps to retain moisture and reduce water evaporation. They help to control weeds. Mulches also break down and can add plant nutrients and improve microbial activity in the soil.

Avoid the use of chemicals on your plants. When at all possible, use cultural methods, such as sanitizing, to control pests and disease on your plants. Chemicals kill beneficial soil microbes and insects that are part of a healthy soil. If you have a plant problem, contact the Master Gardener Plant Clinic noted above and ask for help to diagnosis your problem and for ways to reduce or eliminate the need for chemicals.

Five Ways to Improve Soil, an OSU peer reviewed article may offer you other ways to help you improve your soil.