Start With Soil

Before you spend a penny on plants this spring… make sure your soil is right.

Every thriving garden begins below the surface. Whether you’re planning vibrant borders, productive vegetable beds or refreshing tired containers, your success this season depends on the health and structure of your soil.

In Start with Soil, award-winning garden designer Juliet Sargeant cuts through the confusion and explains — clearly and practically — how soil really works. No heavy science, no jargon. Just the knowledge you need to understand what’s happening beneath your feet and how to improve it.

This beautifully produced Kew guide explores:

• How soil functions and why it matters more than you think

• How climate change is affecting soil health

• Simple at-home ways to test and understand your own soil

• How soil changes through the seasons

• Growing mediums explained — from composts and houseplants to hydroponics and sand gardens

• Practical, tried-and-tested methods for improving structure, feeding soil naturally and building long-term fertility

If you’ve ever planted something that “should have worked” but didn’t, this book will likely show you why.

A considered read for gardeners who want to move beyond guesswork and start building gardens from the ground up.