Homemade garden soil is easy to make.
Good garden soil helps plants grow strong, deep roots and supplies valuable nutrients for growth and overall health. Use readily available ingredients to make a customized, homemade garden soil mix. Does this Spark an idea?
Organic Matter
Organic matter improves soil structure. Materials such as compost, rotted manure, peat moss, leaves and bark help clay soils drain better and improve the water retention qualities of sandy soil.
Calculating Volume
Mix 1 part amendment to 2 parts soil and dig it in to a depth of 1 foot, recommends the Oregon State University Extension. Compost and other materials usually are sold by the cubic yard. To calculate cubic yards, multiply the planting area's length by width. Multiply the result by .33, then divide that number by 27. For smaller areas, add 4 inches of amendment and mix with soil to a depth of 1 foot.
Mixing It Up
For large areas, blend the amendments into the soil using a rototiller. Turn and mix smaller areas with a garden fork or shovel. Mix the amendments into the soil in the fall and turn the soil again in the spring before planting.
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