1. 郭橐驼，不知道（他）原来（叫）什么名。患了脊背弯曲的病，（脊背）高高突起，弯着腰走路，好像骆驼一样，所以乡里的人给他起个外号叫“驼”。驼听说起外号的事，说：“很好。给我起这个名字本来就很恰当。”于是舍弃他（原来）的名，也自称起“橐驼”了。

1. Guo Tuotuo, I don't know what his original name was. He suffered from a disease causing curvature of the spine, with his back highly hunched, walking with a bent posture, resembling a camel. Therefore, the people in the countryside gave him the nickname "Tu". Upon hearing about his nickname, Tu said, "That's very good. It's very fitting to give me this name." So he abandoned his original name and also started calling himself "Tuotuo".

2. 对于一般院子、菜园的松土，最简单的方法是不时在表面添加有机土，有机土包括堆肥土、泥炭土、各种动物粪土等，有时也可以添加沙土。

2. For loosening the soil in general courtyards and gardens, the simplest method is to add organic soil occasionally on the surface. Organic soil includes compost soil, peat soil, various animal manure, and sometimes sand soil can also be added.

3. 其实我们的目的不是要打出洞孔，最好是细长的针，在地上戳出细长的孔，帮助土面的水能流到地下，所以这针越长越好。

3. Actually, our purpose is not to make holes, but rather to use thin, elongated needles to poke thin, elongated holes into the ground. This helps the water on the soil surface to flow into the ground, so the longer the needle, the better.

4. 因为石膏就是硫酸钙，因此使用时还等于添加了有益的钙及硫酸。对于需要酸性土的植物，有更大的好处。

4. Since plaster is calcium sulfate, using it is also equivalent to adding beneficial calcium and sulfuric acid. It has greater benefits for plants that require acidic soil.

5. 首先是打洞，园艺工人会用打洞机，在草地上打洞，都是在较大的草坪可以使用，上面甚至可以坐人驾驶。

5. First is the drilling process, where gardeners use a drilling machine to create holes in the grass, which are suitable for larger lawns and can even accommodate seating and driving on them.

6. 花盆松土要注意度，首先平常盆土的边缘不要留裂缝，因为有裂缝浇水的时候，水都从边缘流下去了，而根系就吸不了水！

6. When loosening the soil in pots, pay attention to the degree. Firstly, don't leave cracks at the edges of the pot soil in daily use, because when watering, the water all flows out from the edges, and the roots can't absorb the water!

7. 用在草坪上时，可以大约每3年一次，将溶于水的石膏浇在草坪上就可以。

7. When used on lawns, apply the dissolved plaster to the lawn approximately once every three years.

8. （但使用时就要顾及安全，不要贪图快而伤到自己，更不要让儿童使用）

8. (However, pay attention to safety when using it, do not seek speed at the expense of injury to yourself, and certainly do not let children use it.)

9. 不过要注意的是，石膏会增加土壤酸性，对于原来已经是酸性的土壤不一定是好处，因此要再添加石灰等碱性元素予以中和。

9. However, it should be noted that gypsum increases soil acidity, which may not be beneficial for soils that are already acidic. Therefore, it is necessary to add lime and other alkaline elements to neutralize it.

10. 另外，草坪上也可以每年都加些新的好土，这叫根外追肥，市面有专为根外追肥卖的土，也可以自己调制。

10. In addition, new good soil can also be added to the lawn every year, which is called foliar feeding. There are soils on the market specifically sold for foliar feeding, or you can also make your own mixture.

11. 将土壤翻动后，加些有机土，使之全部混合，过一个季节就可以种植了。

11. After turning over the soil, add some organic soil and mix it thoroughly. It can be planted after a season.

12. 所以盆土的土壤不能有裂缝，有裂缝要用手压实后再浇水，这样渗水就非常均匀了。

12. Therefore, the soil in the pot should not have cracks. If there are cracks, they should be pressed down with hands before watering, so that the water will渗透 very evenly.

13. 一般庭院可以使用较小的滚筒式的打洞机。打洞机的目的是在草地上戳出洞来，帮助土壤松动。下面这些工具有些庞大，有些轻巧，可以选择适合自己庭园的使用。

13. For general courtyards, a smaller, roller-type puncher can be used. The purpose of the puncher is to punch holes in the grass to help loosen the soil. Some of these tools are large, some are light, and you can choose one that suits your garden.

14. 还有一种钉鞋就更普遍，因为方便使用。这钉鞋只要绑在穿了鞋的脚下，在草地上行走，就可以戳出洞来。

14. There is also another type of cleated shoes that is more common due to their convenience. These cleated shoes, once tied to the feet wearing shoes, can puncture holes while walking on the grass.

15. 导语：大家都知道，松土的方法有许多，最简单的方法是在表面添加有机土，如泥炭土、堆肥土、动物粪土等等。最近有些朋友来咨询小编，为什么要给土地松土？为什么土地是要松土的？今天小编就为大家分享一下，感兴趣的朋友可以来好好看看。

15. Introduction: As everyone knows, there are many ways to loosen soil, and the simplest method is to add organic soil to the surface, such as peat soil, compost soil, animal manure, etc. Recently, some friends have consulted me, asking why we need to loosen the soil? Why is soil loosening necessary? Today, I would like to share this with everyone. Friends who are interested can take a good look.

16. 草地的土壤过分坚硬，也有很多方法可以对付。

16. The soil in the grasslands is excessively hard, and there are many ways to deal with it.

17. 这一类打洞机用过后会翻出一些土块，在草地上形成小窟窿，最好是铺一层好的较松的土，将洞孔补好。

17. After using this type of hole-punching machine, some soil blocks will be flipped out, forming small holes on the grassland. It is best to spread a layer of good, loose soil to fill in the holes.

18. 其次，松土能调节土壤水分，保墒防旱。松土后能破除土壤板结，截断毛细管，防止土层以下水分的蒸发，达到蓄水保墒作用。当水分过多时，又可以使土壤水分蒸发，使植物生长发育良好。

18. Secondly, loosening the soil can regulate soil moisture and prevent drought. Loosening the soil can break up soil compaction, interrupt capillary action, prevent evaporation of moisture below the soil layer, and achieve the effect of water conservation and soil moisture retention. When there is too much moisture, it can also facilitate the evaporation of soil moisture, ensuring good growth and development of plants.

19. 首先，松土能疏松土壤，疏通空气，提高地温。同时还有利于土壤微生物的活动，促进有机物质的分解，增加土壤养分供应能力，改善营养条件。

19. Firstly, loosening the soil can loosen the soil, improve air circulation, and increase the ground temperature. At the same time, it is also conducive to the activity of soil microorganisms, promotes the decomposition of organic matter, increases the soil's nutrient supply capacity, and improves the nutritional conditions.

20. 还有一种方式，就是使用石膏来松土（成分就是碳酸钙），用石膏不仅可以用在草地，也可以用在花圃及菜园。

20. There is also another method, which is to loosen the soil using plaster (the main component is calcium carbonate). Plaster can be used not only on lawns but also in flower beds and vegetable gardens.

21. 问的人说：“把你的（种树）经验，挪到当官治民上，行吗？”橐驼（回答）说：“我知道种树（的道理）而已，治理（百姓），不是我的事啊。但我居住在乡间，见做官的好多发政令，好像是很怜爱（百姓）啊，而终于（却）给他们造成灾祸。早晚官吏来而喊道：‘官府命令催促你们耕种，勉励你们种植，督促你们收获，（让）你们早早地煮蚕茧抽取蚕丝，早早地纺你们的线，养育你们的小孩，喂大你们的鸡和猪。’敲鼓而聚集他们，敲梆子而召唤他们。我们（这些）小民停止吃饭来慰劳官吏尚且不得空闲，又怎么能使我们（自身）繁衍生息，安顿我们的身家性命呢？所以穷困并且懈怠。像这样，（其中的道理）那么和我所从事的（种树行当）难道也有类似吗？”

21. The questioner said, "Can you transfer your experience in planting trees to governing the people?" Zituo (responded) said, "I only know the principles of planting trees, governing the people is not my affair. But I live in the countryside, and I see that most officials issue edicts, as if they are very loving towards the people, but in the end, they bring disaster upon them. Early in the morning and late at night, the officials come and shout, 'The government commands you to till the land, encourage you to plant, and urge you to harvest. Prompt you to early boil the silkworm cocoons to extract the silk, early spin your yarn, raise your children, and fatten your chickens and pigs.' They beat drums to gather them and strike bells to summon them. Even if these common people stop eating to entertain the officials, we don't have any free time. How can we ourselves multiply and thrive, secure our lives and properties? Therefore, we are poor and lazy. Is there a similar principle in what I do, which is planting trees?"

22. 问的人说：“咦，不是很好吗！我请教养树（的方法），（却）得到了养民的法术。”传播这件事来作为官吏的戒示。

22. The questioner said, "Hey, isn't it great! I asked about the method of nurturing trees, but I got the art of nurturing the people." Spread this as a cautionary tale for officials.

23. 植物一般一两年换一次土，这个时候有就可以松土，加入新的盆栽土，泥炭土、河沙都可以适量加入。

23. Plants generally need to be repotted every one to two years. At this time, you can loosen the soil and add new potting soil, peat soil, and river sand can all be added in appropriate amounts.

24. 在已经种了植物的院子、菜园，千万不要用工具随便去松土，会牵动植物的根部。只能在表面加好的土。一年至少加一次，也可以在春秋两季各加一次。

24. Never use tools to loosen the soil carelessly in yards or vegetable gardens where plants have already been planted, as it may disturb the roots of the plants. Only add good soil on the surface. At least once a year is recommended, and it can also be done in both spring and autumn.

25. （注：不是所有人都同意石膏有松土的作用，定时性打孔可能是最好方法。但硫酸钙就有其他的好处。）

25. (Note: Not everyone agrees that gypsum has a loosing effect on soil; regular perforation may be the best method. However, calcium sulfate has other benefits.)

26. 如果院子暂时没有养花种菜，在新开垦的新花园、菜园里，就可以全面翻土。一般来说，种菜之前，可以松动土下15~20多厘米以上的土壤。

26. If there are no flowers or vegetables being cultivated in the courtyard temporarily, a complete soil turning can be done in the newly cultivated new garden or vegetable garden. Generally speaking, before planting vegetables, the soil below can be loosened to a depth of 15 to 20 centimeters or more.

27. 有蚯蚓的土壤表示一定肥沃，因为蚯蚓会在土里翻动，就让土壤松动了。而蚯蚓的排泄物也是最有益的有机土。所以见到蚯蚓一定要保护他们。有人甚至买活的蚯蚓来松土。

27. Soil with earthworms indicates that it is fertile, as earthworms move through the soil, loosening it. Moreover, the excrement of earthworms is also the most beneficial organic soil. Therefore, it is important to protect earthworms when you see them. Some people even buy live earthworms to loosen the soil.

28. 不要在雨后，或是浇水后土壤太湿时使用这些打孔机，会伤到草皮。同时也要避免在太干旱时使用，这样对草皮及草的根部会造成伤害。

28. Do not use these aeration machines after rain or when the soil is too wet after watering, as it may damage the turf. At the same time, it is also advisable to avoid using them when the soil is too dry, as this can cause harm to the turf and the roots of the grass.

29. 添加有机土不仅有松土，改善土质的作用，上述的土壤还多数含有氮肥及其他养分。

29. Adding organic soil not only loosens the soil and improves its quality, but the soil mentioned above also contains a large amount of nitrogen fertilizer and other nutrients.

30. 经常在小花园的植物上覆土也有帮助改善土质，因为这些覆盖物分解后，都会融入土中。

30. Covering the plants in the small garden with soil also helps to improve the soil quality, as these coverings will decompose and integrate into the soil.

31. 他的家乡叫丰乐乡，在长安西边。驼以种树为业，凡是长安有钱有势的人（种树）作为观赏游玩的以及卖果的，都争着迎接和雇用（橐驼）。察看驼所种的树，即或移植，没有不活的；而且硕大茂盛，结果早并且多。其他种植的人虽然暗中观察，效仿羡慕，没有能赶得上的。

31. His hometown is called Fengle Village, located to the west of Chang'an. The camel man makes a living by planting trees. Anyone in Chang'an who has wealth and power, who plant trees for viewing and recreation, or sell fruits, all vie to welcome and hire (the camel man). Examining the trees planted by the camel man, whether transplanted or not, none of them fail to thrive; they are also large, lush, bearing fruit early and in abundance. While others may observe in secret and imitate with envy, none can match his success.

32. 添加时必须先将这些土都混合好后再加，不要一样样加在表面。（堆肥土可以单独添加。）

32. When adding these soils, they must be mixed together first before adding, and should not be added one by one on the surface. (Compost soil can be added separately.)

33. 如果是要种玫瑰一类的多年生植物，就要翻30厘米以上深的土壤。

33. If you are planning to plant rose or other perennial plants, you should turn the soil to a depth of 30 centimeters or more.

34. 平常盆土太过板结，而又没到换盆的时机，那就只能松表层的土了！小心别上根哦，伤根了还不如不松。

34. If the pot soil is too compacted and it's not yet time to repot, then you can only loosen the top layer of soil! Be careful not to damage the roots, as it's better not to loosen the soil if it's going to hurt the roots.

35. 有（人）问他（种树的方法），回答说：“橐驼并不是能使树木长寿而且茂盛啊，（而是）能顺应树木的自然生长规律以使它的本性发展而已。大凡种树的方法，（它的）根要舒展，（它的）培土要平，（它的）土要旧的，（它的）捣土要结实。已经这样做了，不要（再）动，不要忧虑，离开后就不再去看。（那）种植（小心得）像对待孩子，（那）放在一边（不管）像抛弃掉了，那么它的天然（品质）保全而它的本性（就）不会丧失了。所以我不妨害它长而已，（并）不是有能使他硕大茂盛的（本领）啊；不抑制损耗它的果实而已，（并）不是有能使它早并且多（结果）的（本领）啊。其他种植的人则不是这样。（树的）根拳曲而土常换，他给树培土啊，如果不是过多就是不够。假使有能不这样的，则又爱它太情深，忧它太过分。早晨察看，晚上抚摸，已经离开而又回来看。严重的，用指甲划破树皮来检验它的生死，摇晃树干来看它（栽得）是疏松还是密实，而树木的本性一天比一天远去。虽说是爱它，其实是害它；虽说是忧虑它，其实是仇恨它：所以不如我啊。我又能做（别的）什么呢？”

35. Someone asked him about the method of planting trees, and he replied: "The camel is not the one who can make trees long-lived and lush, but rather the one who can conform to the natural growth规律 of trees to let its nature develop. Generally speaking, the method of planting trees is: the roots should be spread out, the soil should be level, the soil should be old, and the soil should be compacted. After doing so, do not disturb it, do not worry about it, and do not look back after leaving. The careful planting is like treating a child, and leaving it aside is like throwing it away. Then its natural qualities are preserved, and its nature will not be lost. Therefore, I do not harm its growth, and I do not have the ability to make it grow large and lush; I do not suppress its fruit loss, and I do not have the ability to make it bear fruit early and in abundance. Other people who plant trees are not like this. The roots are knotted and the soil is often changed. When he fertilizes the tree, it is either too much or too little. If there is someone who does not do this, he loves it too deeply and worries about it too much. He examines it in the morning and caresses it in the evening. After leaving, he comes back to look at it again. The severe ones even scratch the bark with their nails to test its life or death, shake the trunk to see if it is loose or compact, and the nature of the tree moves further and further away each day. Although it is said to love it, it is actually harming it; although it is said to worry about it, it is actually hating it: therefore, it is better than me. What else can I do?"

36. 很多人怕蚯蚓，但其实蚯蚓是对土壤最有益的昆虫（在花盆里就不适宜养蚯蚓，因为空间太小，没地方松土，它就会伤根）。

36. Many people are afraid of earthworms, but in fact, they are the most beneficial insects for soil (it is not suitable to keep earthworms in pots because the space is too small, there is no place to loosen the soil, and it will harm the roots).