How to Prepare the Soil for a Flower Garden

Planting a new flower garden in your yard not only enhances the beauty of your yard, it increases the value of your property as well. With proper planning and preparation you can grow a wide variety of flowers that bloom from early spring until well into fall. However, before you make plans for which flowers you will plant, you need select an appropriate area to place the garden and prepare the soil for planting.

Things You'll Need

• Garden tools
• 4 stakes (any height)
• Twine
• Well-rotted manure
• Compost
• Sod cutter (optional)
• Garden tiller

Instructions

1. Select an area that receives six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day, as most flowers thrive in this lighting. Observe the area over the course of day to determine if shadows will be cast by buildings or trees. Keep in mind that trees and shrubs that are bare in the spring will be filled with leaves by early summer and may cast considerable shadows.

2. Mark the area to be plowed by inserting stakes in the soil to mark the corners and using twine or rope to mark the borders. Check to be sure all lines are straight.

3. Remove the sod with a spade or sod cutter. Consider renting a sod cutter for the day if you are preparing a large area, as it is much easier than removing sod by hand. Small areas can be dug by hand with a spade.

4. Till the soil with a garden tiller to a depth of 8 inches. Remove any rocks or debris found in the soil. It is common to unearth large stones, roots or bits of decayed wood. You may even discover discarded bits of metal or other household objects, particularly if you live on an old homestead that has housed generations of people. Remove any foreign objects you unearth.

5. Add well-rotted manure or compost to improve the texture of the soil and increase its water retention properties. Organic matter increases aeration and encourages earthworms that work to improve your soil. Work the manure or compost in well with the existing soil and rake smooth.

6. Add commercial fertilizer following the directions on the bag, if preferred. Soil that is rich in organic matter generally does not require additional fertilizer. You may wish to apply water-soluble fertilizer once your flowers are established.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider a shade garden if you do not have a location that receives six hours of direct sunlight.

• Always choose flowers that meet your light exposure.