Soil Preparation for the Spring
Successful gardening depends on proper soil preparation. Additional
organic material, such as compost, manure, or peat moss, can be worked into
the soil before planting. The organic material will begin to break down,
slowly releasing it's nutrient's for use by soil micro-organisms and plants.
The addition of organic material improves the aeration and water percolation through clay soils. The fertility level and water holding capacity of sandy soil is improved by the addition of organic materials.
A soil test to determine soil pH can among other things, be very helpful in determining how to improve the soil's acidity and nutrient levels. If needed, lime can be added to make the soil less acidic, raising the pH, or sulfur and sulfur-based materials can be added to make the soil less alkaline, lowering the pH. Try not to change the pH by more than one pH unit in a single year.
Simple soil test kits are available at all Bachman's Garden Centers. Come to any Bachman's Garden Center, and we will be glad to help you get your garden growing.
For further information, read online our care sheet on "Quick Pruning Tips", "Pruning Basics", "Pruning Deciduous Trees and Shrubs", and "Pruning Evergreens".
Revised: 03/10/98
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