7 Plants That Enhance Soil Health, According to Gardening Specialists

Improving soil quality is an essential first step to help your garden thrive. For those new to gardening, one of the simplest approaches is to incorporate plants that naturally boost soil health.

"Soil improvement involves modifying its structure to increase fertility. While compost and fertilizers are helpful, choosing the right plants for your garden can gradually enhance the soil over time," says NYBG-certified horticulturist Bliss Bendall.

Is your garden struggling with poor soil quality? Here are seven plants that can offer a simple solution.

Sunflowers

If you're looking to enhance both the beauty of your garden and the quality of your soil, sunflowers are just the right choice, as per Bendall.

"Sunflowers have a robust root system that enables them to grow tall and strong. Their deep roots reach deep into the soil, creating channels for air, water, and nutrients that are essential for improving soil health over time," says Bendall.

Kaylyn Hewitt, lead floral designer for The Bouqs, also advocates for sunflowers, stating, "These plants are great at removing harmful metals from the soil that hinder plant growth."

Marigolds

If you're a fan of sunflowers, marigolds might be another favorite of yours. These cheerful blooms are also loved by Hewitt, who mentions, "Another beloved plant, especially for the later months, are marigolds. Their root system not only benefits the soil but also keeps pests away."

Alfalfa

Salad enthusiasts, rejoice! Growing alfalfa not only makes your salads more flavorful and nutritious, but it also enhances your soil’s quality. According to Bendall, "Alfalfa’s deep taproots improve soil aeration and drainage by altering the soil structure."

Bendall continues, "This crop can serve as a cover crop, fixing nitrogen in the soil and acting as a living mulch for intercropping. Its dense growth helps prevent soil erosion and supports carbon sequestration through photosynthesis."

Peas

Do you enjoy peas or other legumes? There are plenty of good reasons to grow them. Bendall explains, "Peas and other legumes are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can significantly increase this essential nutrient in the soil over time. Nitrogen is crucial because it is a key component of chlorophyll, the substance that enables plants to harness sunlight and convert it into energy to produce sugars from water and carbon dioxide."

Bendall further elaborates that nitrogen is a key element in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Without proteins, plants would wither and die. She continues, "Some proteins provide structural support in plant cells, while others act as enzymes, enabling many of the biochemical processes essential for life. Plants that generate abundant nitrogen are great for soil health and promote strong, healthy growth."

Clover

If you're looking for a lawn alternative to seeded grass, consider planting clover. Bendall notes, "Its flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help control pests, ultimately enhancing soil quality as well."

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is known for its ability to improve soil health, which can benefit the growth of your garden, according to Bendall. She explains, "This plant is packed with potassium, and its sturdy, deeply penetrating roots break up compacted subsoil while pulling iron closer to the surface, ultimately improving the soil structure."

Lupine

Hewitt is a big fan of lupine for many reasons beyond its ability to improve soil. She says, "They are vibrant and easy to grow. Lupines have a root system that helps improve the soil and benefit surrounding plants by balancing or fixing nitrogen in the soil. I grew these flowers for several seasons on my patio in Los Angeles, and they brought so much joy to the space."