Farm Log #2- Wood Chips

The common Joe would presume that you just need dirt, water, sun and seeds to grow plants. Though these may be the essentials to growing anything, it takes a combination of other elements to optimize growth and health for plants. Wood chips is one of those things I’ve learned helps plants grow and survive. Adding a layer of wood chips to your soil helps negate unwanted weeds from taking up spots next to your plants. Also, having the woods chips helps your soil with water retention. When it rains, water droplets impact soil. One drop may not feel like much, but after a few hours of rain, hundreds of drops can pack down your soil. Imagine the soil as a sponge, as it gets pressed down it loses it’s air pockets, and can’t hold to as much water. With the wood chips acting as a shock absorber, the rain hits the wood and the water rolls down to the soil beneath it. You end up with nice soft soil that doesn’t need as much watering or as frequently.