All About Soil

FROM THE 2025 FALL ISSUE OF

NORTHERN GARDENER MAGAZINE

Soil health resources

Healthy soil grows healthy plants. Without it, our gardens don’t exist. Surprisingly, only 7% of our planet’s topsoil is suitable for growing food. Fortunately, we’ve collected all the info you need to achieve the healthiest soil ever, no matter how small your gardening space may be.

Don’t have the issue yet? Find it here or at your local newsstand.

Fall 2025 Northern Gardener
What texture is your soil?

Sand, clay or a little of both? This helpful guide from the Colorado State University Extension will help you get to the bottom of your soil.

Understanding Soil Health webinar

Bob Dahm (Organic Bob) covers why soil should be your first consideration in starting any new garden in this hourlong video.

No dig gardening
University of Minnesota Soil Testing Lab

Ready to see what makes up your soil? Get the instructions on submitting your soil to the U of M Extension.

Need help understanding the results? We’ve got you covered!


Best Books for Building Soil

View our rundown of the best books here.

To purchase, head to our Bookshop.org storefront! As a Bookshop.org associate, Northern Gardener earns money from qualifying purchases, which we put right back into furthering our mission.