Don't disturb your soil microbes

I know that there will be many people that will not be able to do this just because they cannot handle the idea of garden waste lying around and must have neat and tidy garden beds.

However, one has to understand the importance of a good healthy soil - and to achieve this we must encourage soil microbes which will benefit our plants.

Fallen leaves, plant cuttings and weeds can be left on the top of the soil which will all be eventually be broken down encouraging earth worms and many other microbes necessary for healthy plant growth.

In my garden, everything gets thrown back on to the soil - especially in autumn and then when the winter rains come, the soil is well mulched and as everything breaks down there is a lovely layer of rich leaf mould full of goodness for the plants.

By digging the garden beds, you are disturbing the soil microbes which are essential to the plants - think about it - in nature plants drop leaves and branches directly on to the ground and stay there until they are eventually broken down and then feed the plants.

A healthy soil means healthy plants and if we follow nature we won't go far wrong.