Pioneering herbaceous ground-covers like comfrey, mullein and yarrow generate biomass and condition the soil with their root systems. This helps to improve humus content, drainage, water infiltration, and soil life.  

Soil is further conditioned by adding compost from the garden's own compost heaps, and by adding kraal-manure.

Biomass is cycled on-site through intensive composting and mulching. 

Grass clippings generated by the local park maintenance crew are used to mulch vegetable beds. Mulch provides a habitat for soil life, and slowly decomposes to humus, thereby fertilising the soil. It also acts as a sunscreen for the soil, reflecting harsh sunlight and buffering soil microclimate. It prevents wind erosion and stores water like a sponge. Mulch also suppresses weeds and together with regular hand-weeding, eliminates the need for herbicides.