soil preparation – Water Conservation for Lawn and Landscape

Soil Preparation for Flower Beds

Good soil preparation for flower beds helps create and maintain a healthy garden and can also reduce water requirements.

Things to keep in mind include:

Conduct a soil test to determine existing soil texture, nutrients, and pH
Tilling wet soil can destroy soil structure
Add organic matter to improve soil drainage and texture
Prepare planting beds in late summer or fall to avoid wet soil
Weed treatment and sod removal can be done in the fall without affecting flower beds

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Proper preparation of holes for planting trees is necessary for tree growth and survival.

Trees are available at plant nurseries and garden centers in different container sizes and as bare root, and balled and burlapped.

Each method has advantages and disadvantages and requires different handling and planting techniques.

Information on planting trees and shrubs is available from the resources listed below.

Southeast

Midwest

Properly prepared soil provides a healthy substrate for producing an abundant supply of nutritious vegetables from the home garden.

A soil test provides an understanding of soil pH and nutrient availability
Proper tillage aerates the soil allowing for better drainage and deeper root penetration
Adding organic matter improves soil structure, increases water-holding

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