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

Preparing Tree Planting Holes

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.

 


Additional Resources:

Southeast

Florida – Planting Hole Size and Configuration

South Carolina – Planting Trees Correctly

Midwest

Nebraska

Soil Preparation for Vegetable Gardens

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

Characteristics of Properly Prepared Soil for Vegetable Gardens

  • Improved seed germination
  • Increased aeration and drainage
  • Improved soil texture and structure
  • Higher biological activity
  • Improved fertility

Soil Preparation Basics

  • 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