- 1). Work the soil to a depth of 8 inches with a shovel or garden tiller. The soil should be moist, loose and crumbly. If the soil retains its shape when squeezed, it is too wet. Wait one or two days before turning. The soil should be worked in the fall or spring before planting.
- 2). Remove all roots, rocks and debris from the soil. Break up clumps of dirt with a shovel or your hands.
- 3). Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of plant-based organic matter to the soil, or a 1-inch layer of compost made with manure. Use grass clippings, shredded leaves, compost or well-rotted manure. Work the organic matter into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
- 4). Use a soil test kit to check the pH of the soil. If the results of the test show that the soil is not suitable for growing vegetables, follow the recommendations of the soil test kit to adjust the pH. Use lime to raise the pH level and elemental sulfur to lower it.
- 5). Apply a slow release fertilizer or organic fertilizer, such as soybean meal, fish emulsion or blood meal. Add the fertilizer to the soil at planting time. If lime has been added to the soil, wait at least 30 days before adding fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's directions for application. Use only the amount recommended for the size of the garden. Work the fertilizer into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Rake the soil smooth before planting.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -