Perfect Soil Preparation

Understand Your Soil

• You can't fix your soil if you don't know what's wrong with it. The first step in successful gardening is to educate yourself about the soil requirements in your area. Speak to local gardeners about the common soil challenges and best gardening practices in your region. Take a soil sample in to your local university extension to obtain an accurate, thorough analysis of your soil pH and nutrient levels. Understanding your soil will also help you make informed choices about what to plant in your garden.

Tilling

• Tilling your garden soil improves its water retention and helps to maintain plant life. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends tilling garden soil in late fall in order to improve spring planting conditions. After you have thoroughly tilled the soil, pack it until it is smooth and level but not too compact. Overpacking your soil may result in compaction. Always till your soil when it is moist but not wet, and rake the soil site after you have finished.

Organic Matter

• Organic matter improves almost any soil when it is properly incorporated. Examples of organic matter include compost, peat moss and manure. Adding organic matter to your soil will increase its fertility and improve water retention and root aeration. The most common way to add organic matter to soil is by rototilling or digging. Some gardeners also use organic matter as a mulch, which is another effective and easy application, although the organic matter takes much longer to affect soil conditions.

Other Soil Amendments

• Your soil test may indicate extreme pH levels or nutrient deficiencies. If it does, you will probably need to mix in additional soil amendments. Some soil amendments, like lime, elemental sulfur, iron sulfate and aluminum sulfate, are used to lower or increase soil pH levels. Others, such as urea, ammonium sulfate, potassium nitrate, super-phosphate, potassium chloride and potassium sulfate, are used to increase or decrease nutrient levels in the soil. Always read manufacturer's directions carefully before applying these soil amendments in particular, since overapplication can damage plants and the soil.