How to Make Rich Soil

A thriving flower or vegetable garden is the fond dream of many. The beginning vegetable gardener, especially, envisions healthy plants yielding enormous amounts of vegetables she can proudly offer to neighbors and friends. Achieving that dream can take more than planting and watering seedbeds. Rich soil is one of the major keys to success. Think of soil as a living organism that needs regular nourishment to encourage optimal productivity. Organic materials can provide that critical nutrition.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel or tiller
• Compost
• Manure
• Disease-free chopped leaves
• Lawnmower

Instructions

1. Add compost to your soil. Compost is rich in nitrogen, an essential nutrient for your soil. It is critical to work the compost into the soil with a shovel or tiller rather than simply spreading it over the top. You can use your own homemade compost or purchase compost from a garden center.

2. Add cow or horse manure to your soil, being sure to work it in thoroughly. Manure is also nitrogen-rich, which encourages green leafy growth in plants.

3. Add disease-free chopped leaves to the soil. Be sure not to include leaves that have rot or fungus, as they will convey any disease or fungus to your soil bed. Again, work the leaves deeply into the soil with a shovel or tiller. You can chop leaves by running a lawnmower over leaves on your lawn.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid working organic matter into soil that is very wet--or very dry. Wait until soil is somewhat crumbly to the touch.

References

• bhg.com: Create Rich Soil for Your Garden

Resources

• How to Make Good Soil
• Composting at Home