As the vibrant colors of summer fade into autumn’s golden hues, much of the garden seems to slow down. But beneath the surface, the soil is alive with activity. This is the season when the soil food web—the intricate community of microbes, fungi, earthworms, and other organisms—works overtime to prepare your garden for next spring’s growth.
Autumn: Nature’s Transition Season
While plants above ground are winding down, their roots are still active, exuding sugars and compounds that feed soil microbes. Falling leaves, garden trimmings, and plant debris become valuable organic matter, fueling the soil food web as it breaks down these materials into nutrients.
Microbes at Work
Soil microbes (bacteria, protozoa, and nematodes) are like nature’s recyclers. In fall, they thrive in the cool, moist environment, breaking down organic matter into plant-available nutrients. They also help “store” nutrients in microbial biomass, keeping them from washing away over winter. Come spring, these nutrients are released right when plants need them most.
Fungi: The Underground Network
Mycorrhizal fungi form partnerships with plant roots, extending their reach deep into the soil. In autumn, these fungi are especially active, moving nutrients like phosphorus and micronutrients to roots while receiving sugars in return. Their hyphae also help bind soil particles, improving structure and water retention which is critical for next year’s plantings.
Earthworms & Soil Dwellers
Cool, damp fall weather is earthworm heaven. As they tunnel and feed, worms aerate the soil and leave behind nutrient-rich castings. Other soil dwellers, like beetles and springtails, join in the decomposition process, ensuring that organic matter is cycled back into the soil food web.
Rebuilding with Coast of Maine Organic Soil in Fall
Autumn is the ideal time to replenish your garden with fresh organic soil. Over the summer, plants draw heavily from the nutrients in your beds and containers. By working in a rich layer of Coast of Maine organic soil now, you restore fertility and structure to tired ground, giving the soil food web the fuel it needs to stay active through the cooler months.
Adding a soil with compost is better! Compost is teeming with beneficial microbes and rich in organic matter that feeds the soil food web through the cooler months. By layering compost into garden beds now, you’re giving soil organisms a steady food source that keeps them active all winter long, enriching the earth with balanced nutrients.
Adding compost soil in the fall also helps protect against nutrient loss. Instead of letting rain and snow leach nutrients from the soil, the organic matter in compost locks them in place. By spring, the soil is already replenished, loose, and full of microbial life, creating a fertile foundation for seedlings and transplants. Simply put, fall composting sets the stage for healthier, stronger plants next season.
We recommend using Quoddy Blend Compost Blenad with Lobster & Crab or Castine Blend Raised Bed Mix this Fall!
Why It Matters for Spring
Even as the garden quiets above ground, the soil beneath is alive and bustling. Supporting the soil food web in autumn is one of the most powerful steps you can take to ensure a healthy, productive garden next season. Remember: take care of the soil now, and it will take care of your plants later.
