More than the weather, or even the plants, it’s the soil that really matters in the garden. Weeds, pests, disease and deficiencies are all symptoms of a problem and quite often the problem is the soil and the life that is NOT in it. If the soil is poor, it will not function properly so the plant will not get what it needs when it needs it.
Always try to remember that you are feeding the soil and the life that is in it, rather than the plant. The plant cannot feed off nutrients until they have been solubilized by fungi or bacteria so the plants can take it in. So, you need to be feeding the organic matter to the soil, to feed the microbes, to feed the plants, to feed you.
Getting good soil is about layering and top dressing and keeping the fungal network active. Build up your layers and then keep it mulched and feed.
It's important not to just add one thing to the soil, creating a diverse environment is what you are aiming for. An easy approach is to focus on the compost and add everything to that – fertiliser, worm castings, coco, superfoods, even planting mix, everything there and in the one place. When you need to activate the soil, dry the compost out, sift it and then sprinkle it over the beds and water in.
When removing old plants, cut the greenery away below the surface (and put in the compost) but leave the roots, as they will help the fungal network stay active
Its ongoing, as everything in the garden is, but continually feeding the soil from the top so you are layering monthly, keeps everything happy, healthy, living and active.
Enjoy
Peter