How to Revitalize Garden Soil for Planting

Enrich your soil for a better garden.

Rich soil is a key element if you want to produce healthy flowers and robust produce. However, not all soil is created equal and many gardeners will have to do some work before their soil is optimal for flowers and vegetables. Adding organic material will not only enrich your soil so your plants will grow well, it will also protect them from various diseases and pests that can afflict a garden with mediocre soil.

Things You'll Need

• Soil testing kit
• Manure
• Shovel
• Hoe
• Compost
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Test your soil with a kit to learn its pH and find out what other supplements your soil needs. Get the kit from a local nursery, home goods store or university extension.

2. Spread manure, which is rich in potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus, over the soil, using 1 pound per square foot. Work the manure into the soil with a hoe or shovel, mixing it with the top 6 inches.

3. Add compost to the garden, about 1 pound per square foot. Work it into the soil the same way you worked the manure into the soil, mixing with the top 6 inches.

4. Spread an inch or two of mulch such as straw, wood chips or pine bark over your soil. Work it into the top layer of the soil.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not plant for two weeks after you add manure to your garden.

References

• University of Florida: Producing Garden Vegetables with Organic Soil Amendments; J. M. Stephens, S. R. Kostewicz
• Reader's Digest: Bring Your Garden to Life: Tips to Revitalize and Enrich Your Space