Monthly Gardening Tip: Soil Preparation
Soil preparation is the most critical aspect of gardening and the most overlooked element in successful planting. The first step is to determine what soil you have. Then, check with your local garden center to find out what products you will need for your area.
The two most common soil groups are sandy and clay. Sandy soil will have plenty of oxygen available for the plant but might lack organic matter and water retention. You need to add a heavy compost to “fatten up” this type of soil. The second type of soil, clay soil, has plenty of nutrients and will definitely hold water. Clay soil may not drain well, and nutrients might not be available to be absorbed. Pearlinte can be used to break up the clay and loosen the soil. The general rule of planting is not to change the soil, but instead, to make the existing soil better. For example, when putting a plant in a hole, add about one-third compost to the soil you just dug out of the hole, and then put this enriched soil back into the hole. This way, roots will be an easier start. |