Soil airing: what is it and how to do it?

Healthy soil is the basis for a healthy garden or farmland. Yet the soil itself often gets too little attention. We fertilize, water and plant, but sometimes forget that soil also breathes. And like people, soil needs oxygen to function properly. Soil aeration is a technique to improve air circulation in the soil, which is essential for fertile and living soil.

What is soil airing?

Soil airing is the process of loosening the soil to allow more air (or oxygen) to pass between soil particles. Soil that is too compact or compacted has few pores through which air or water can pass, which is bad for roots, microorganisms and soil life in general.

Airing the soil is especially helpful:

• In the spring, to prepare the soil for the growing season.

• In the fall, to improve soil structure and prevent waterlogging in the winter.

• After intensive use, such as on lawns that are frequently walked on or on soil that has been compacted by heavy rain or machinery.

Why is soil airing important?

• Better root growth: Plant roots need oxygen. In dense soil, they don't get enough air, which limits their growth.

• More active soil life: Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and worms function better in well-aired soil.

• Improved drainage: Aired soil prevents standing water and helps against root rot.

• Better nutrient uptake: Air in the soil stimulates the conversion of organic matter to absorbable nutrients.

How to air the soil in your garden or lawn?

Compact soil can hinder plant growth considerably. Fortunately, you can easily solve this by airing the soil. Here's how to do it:

1. Manual aerating (for borders, vegetable gardens and flower beds)

To air your borders, vegetable garden or flower beds, you can use simple gardening tools such as a rake, grelinette (wide fork) or a pricking roller:

• Insert the tool into the soil with some regularity.

• Lightly pry the soil loose without turning it over. This keeps soil life largely intact.

• Leave the holes open so that air, rainwater and nutrients can penetrate more easily.

You can also aerate the soil without pricking:

• Periodically apply compost, leaf mulch or fine wood chips to the soil.

• These materials attract worms and other soil animals, whose digging naturally aerates the soil.

2. Aerate lawn

There are two accessible methods for aerating your lawn:

• Lawn pricker roller: This is a roller with spikes that you roll over the grass to prick even holes in the lawn.

• Airing sandals: These are sandals with spikes that you attach under your shoes. Slowly walk across the lawn, poking dozens of holes per square meter.

Tip: Is your lawn very compacted? Then sweep some sharp sand into the holes after pricking. This helps to permanently aerate the soil structure.

Handle the soil with care

While airing is important, too much or too deep intervention is often harmful. Therefore, avoid aggressive digging or tilling, as this disrupts soil life and can actually deteriorate the structure.

Aired soil is essential for a healthy garden. By aerating from time to time, you give plant roots, rainwater and soil life more space. The result? A greener lawn, stronger plants and a garden that really comes alive. The result? Healthier plants, a greener lawn and a garden that really lives.