Gardening Series: Dig in the Dirt! Soil Preparation: How Do You Prepare Garden Soil for Planting? P5

Shidonna Raven
4 hours ago
2 min read

By Catherine Boeckmann

March 14, 2025

Source: Almanac

Photo Source: Unsplash,

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When to Add Organic Matter

Adding organic materials in the fall allows time for them to decompose and break down over the winter. Soil high in organic matter releases a reservoir of nutrients that are slowly released over time, which improves root growth and biological activity.If you didn’t get to this job in the fall, amend it in the spring as soon as the soil is workable.

How do you know when the soil is workable?

Take a handful of soil from a depth of about 6 inches and squeeze it in your hand to form a ball. If the soil crumbles through your fingers, then it is dry enough to work. If the soil forms a ball that falls apart on its own or when you press it with your thumb, then the soil is dry enough to work. However, if the ball retains its shape or your thumb just leaves an indentation, the soil is too wet to work. Wait a few days and check the soil again.

To add organic matter:

Pour enough organic matter into your garden so it can be spread to a depth of at least 2 inches. Do not add more than a 4-inch layer. With a garden fork, mix the organic matter into the top 6 to 8 inches of existing soil. Make sure it is well combined and spread evenly!
Continue to add organic matter each season during soil preparation to build and maintain the soil. Be patient; it may take several seasons of amendments until the soil is loamy.
After amending the soil, it’s best to water well and then check the soil moisture.
Let a window of at least 2 weeks pass between when you add organic matter and when you plant.
Before planting, rake the soil clean and level it. Remove all fallen sticks, rocks, and other materials. Now, you’ll be ready to plant!

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