What Is Soil Health? (Explained Like You’re Five)
because my five year old and I had a chat about it while planting pumpkins the other day.
So, my five year old and I were planting an abundance of pumpkins and squash the other day and he asks me if the bugs are finally awake and eating our food (buried scraps) and we had a discussion about how they impact the soil + the health. I am a firm believer when we are teaching people/ sharing with the masses that if we cannot explain it to a child than we haven’t down our part to simplify it enough to teach it….
Let’s break down soil health, kid-style:
Soil is like a home.
Imagine soil as a big apartment building underground. Tiny creatures live there—like worms, beetles, and teeny-tiny bugs you can’t even see without a microscope. These creatures are the soil’s helpers. They eat old leaves and food scraps and turn them into plant food (like magic poop!).
Healthy soil has:
Happy tenants (bugs and worms)
Good food (dead plants, compost, and kitchen scraps)
Plenty of water (but not too much!)
Nice air pockets (so roots and bugs can breathe)
Soil eats leftovers—just like a pet!
Soil loves snacks! When we give it banana peels, apple cores, or old veggies, the little critters chow down. That turns into nutrients—the stuff plants need to grow big and strong.
This is called composting. It’s like feeding your garden a healthy lunch.
Worms are the gardeners.
Worms are amazing! They dig tunnels, which helps the soil breathe. When they poop (called worm castings), it’s like garden gold. Plants LOVE it.
If you see a worm in your soil, give them a high-five (but gently)—they’re doing a lot of work for free.
Soil needs drinks, not baths.
Too much water? Plants drown. Not enough? They get thirsty. Healthy soil knows how to hold just the right amount of water, like a sponge—not too soggy, not too dry.
That’s why adding mulch or compost is helpful—it helps the soil stay cozy and moist.
Healthy soil grows happy plants.
When the soil is healthy, plants grow taller, flowers bloom brighter, and veggies taste yummier. It’s like giving your garden a strong superhero cape.
And guess what? You don’t need fancy stuff. Just feed the soil, let the worms work, and don’t squish the bugs. Nature knows what to do.
So remember:
Soil is alive. Be kind to it.
Feed it food scraps and leaves.
Let worms and bugs do their thing.
Water gently, like you’re tucking it in.
Happy soil = happy plants = happy gardener (that’s you!)
Want to start feeding your soil today? Just save your veggie peels and tuck them into your garden. You’re already helping!