How to Improve Sandy Soils
Experienced gardeners realize that good soil is the foundation for successful gardening. Quality soil is soil that has the right proportions of organic matter and materials that facilitate proper drainage. Gardeners create this soil by striking a balance between sand and organic matter. If a gardener has sandy soil, this means that there is too much sand and not enough organic matter to nourish plants. Gardeners can improve sandy soils by adding organic material to the soil. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Begin to improve the sandy soil at least several months prior to planting for best results. Work the soil down to a depth of at least six inches with a garden spade. It is important that the soil be loose.
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Spread a layer of peat moss or compost over the surface of the soil. Add at least six cubic yards for every 1,000 square feet of growing area. This corresponds to spreading two inches of peat moss or compost over the surface of the soil.
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Work the peat moss or compost in to the soil with the garden spade down to a depth of at least five inches. Ensure that you mix the organic materials completely into the soil.
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Add a layer of top soil to the growing area after the organic materials. Add approximately one inch of top soil and work this in well. Rake the soil surface smooth.
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Wait approximately three weeks and add more compost and then more top soil in the same fashion. Wait another three weeks and add compost and top soil one last time to finish improving the soil.
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Tips & Warnings
Another alternative to working the soil is to use a rototiller. A rototiller will work the soil faster with less manual effort. Consider checking the pH balance of your soil after you finish improving it to see if you need to add lime to bring the acidity level down. To increase the alkaline level of improved soil, add eight ounces of lime for every square yard of growing area.
