Soil Fertilizer

To amend clay soil for a vegetable garden, mix in rich organic matter, protect the surface with mulch, and avoid digging when the soil is wet.

To apply fertilizer to garden plants, spread the right dose near the roots, keep it off leaves, and water so nutrients soak into the soil.

To amend clay garden soil, add generous organic matter and grit to the top layer and repeat each season for looser, better-drained beds.

Garden lime raises acidic soil pH; apply the right type and rate only after a soil test recommends it.

To amend a raised bed garden, loosen the soil, mix in 2–4 inches of compost, and top with mulch before planting each season.

Adding garden soil means blending new soil into existing beds so roots get fresh nutrients, air, and moisture.

To add topsoil to a garden, spread a shallow layer, blend it into the existing soil, then water so the new mix settles around roots.

To aerate compacted garden soil, loosen it gently, add organic matter, and shield the surface with mulch and living roots.

To aerate soil with a garden fork, drive the tines 4–6 inches deep every 6–8 inches, then rock the handle to gently loosen the ground.

Sheep manure feeds garden soil gently when you add it aged, well mixed, and at the right season.