Before planting it’s a great idea to prepare your garden so you get the best from your plants.
Some plants will prefer particular conditions so it’s useful to know what type of soil you have. There are four main types:
- Clay – water retaining with a sticky, clumpy texture.
- Sandy – a fine texture that easily breaks up and will drain quickly when watered.
- Chalky – shallow, stony and free draining.
- Loam – the perfect combination of sand, clay and silt.
In addition to this, it is useful to check your soil pH (acid, alkaline or neutral).
Top tip: Prepare your garden in the autumn/winter before you want to plant, this gives the soil enough time to settle. If you start in spring, don’t dig the ground when it is frozen or wet.
Step 1 – Weed and clear any debris such as leaves from your bed or border.
Step 2 – Dig over your soil.
Use a garden fork or spade to turnover the soil and break down any larger pieces. This is also a good time to remove any large stones or remaining weeds.
Step 3 – Add compost, manure or leaf mould to improve the soil.
Adding organic matter will improve your soil and add nutrients ready for your plants.
Why not try Westland Soil Improver, Farmyard Manure or Top Soil? Make sure to read the packet before using.
Step 4 – Level the soil.
Using a rake, level out the soil so you have an even border. This way your plants will be at the same level.
Step 5 – Get planting!
Photos by GAP Photography
