Preparing Garden Soil

Healthy plants depend on rich soil.

If your soils are poorly drained, coarse sand should be mixed into the planting area. A good planting mixture is five parts garden soil, four parts organic matter and one part sand.

The success or health of any plant depends directly on the soil in which it grows. Basically, the soil holds the plant in place and upright and provides the necessary moisture, oxygen and food for the plant.

Mix coarse sand for proper drainage…

The best way to be sure your plants get enough moisture is to mix into the soil generous amounts of humus or organic material. These materials may include peat moss, leaf mold, compost, processed bark, animal manures, perlite or vermiculite.

If your soils are poorly drained, coarse sand should be mixed into the planting area. A good planting mixture is five parts garden soil, four parts organic matter and one part sand.

Before you add organic or humus materials, the planting area should be well spaded and worked. Remove all weeds and grasses; spread the material evenly over the surface of the soil and work it in.

Beds prepared for annuals, perennials and vegetables should be dug to a depth of 12 to 18 inches. Areas for trees and shrubs should be prepared 8 to 12 inches deep beyond the depth and width of the plant's existing root area.

All planting beds should be raised slightly above normal ground level to allow for settling and to ensure good drainage.

For more information on preparing garden soil, contact your local county Extension office.