Building up sustainable soil for organic gardening starts right after the garden soil testing has been completed. The testing of the soil helps to identify the additional fertilizers and conditioners that can be added. When attempting to garden organically, testing, maintaining and improving the soil is a constant process and one that is well worth the effort, according to those who advocate organic farming and gardening.

Creating sustainable soil for gardening organically means that you must be able to replenish the topsoil of your garden. One of the best substances to have for keeping the soil rich and healthy enough for an organic garden is a good supply of compost. Also in addition to compost, it is good to have enzymes, earthworms, and beneficial microbes available to add into your soil mixture as well.

In many instances, once you have established your garden with good quality soil that can support healthy, organic gardening, it can often be sustained with nothing more than home composting. This can be accomplished simply by removing a layer of garden soil at the end of the season and layering it with a healthy amount of your decomposed waste.

Backyard composting is a great way to improve your garden soil structure and also enhance moisture retention. In the average compost heap there are billions of bacterial organisms that will grow, feed, reproduce and die. Through this life cycle of the microorganisms, the organic waste material that has been added to the compost pile will be recycled into a robust organic fertilizer and very effective soil conditioner.

Many people say that composting is truly the ultimate in recycling because it benefits the soil in so many ways and supports organic farming and gardening in its highest and best sense. In addition to improving the structure of the soil and the moisture retention ability of the soil, composting also provides excellent aeration, full fertilization and nitrogen storage. Composting also creates a beneficial pH balance in the soil, releases a stream of nutrients and supplies food for the beneficial microbial inhabitants in the earth.

Shredded alfalfa hay is one of the best types of material that you can add to your compost heap, and some say it is "the" secret to a great compost recipe. Worms really thrive on alfalfa, making worm composting even more effective and faster, and it provides excellent mulch and soil additive components for your soil.

When preparing your compost pile in readiness for your organic gardening endeavors, build the compost heap to about four feet in height and about four feet across. Be sure the site is well-drained and surround the pile with chicken wire so that it will be contained but will still have great air circulation. Allow the pile to sit for three to four months and then, in the spring, liberally mix the compost into your garden and prepare for the best harvest ever.