Things You'll Need:
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Step 1
Determine how fast your soil drains (See "Check Soil Drainage") to roughly identify the quality of your soil: sandy, clay or (if you're very lucky) loam.
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Step 2
Select an addition of compost, sand (unless the clay has a greenish color) and sphagnum peat moss for clay soils.
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Step 3
Select an addition of compost and sphagnum peat moss for sandy soils.
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Step 4
Make sure the area you're improving is relatively free of weeds.
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Step 5
Dig some of the surrounding lawn into the soil (if your garden is in an area where there's lawn) - it will break down and add valuable organic matter.
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Step 6
Spread the amendments onto the area you're improving. Be generous. For a new bed, you should add at least three to four inches of compost.
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Step 7
Work in the amendments using a garden spade or spading fork. A tiller is also useful, especially for large areas, and tends to break up the soil more finely - a definite plus.
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Step 8
Work the soil as deeply as you can. A depth of two feet is ideal, but 18 inches is acceptable.









Comments
lilaclover64 said
on 7/10/2009 Also good to consult your local Extension Service for specific recommendations in your area.