Tips and Tricks in Preparing Your Soil for Planting
Many people think that planting is easy; that it would only take some seeds, water, sunlight, and soil, and voila, you’re done. However, this is not true. There are a lot of factors to consider in order to grow a thriving garden.
That is why we made this simple guide for beginner gardeners like you. Read this first before starting with your new garden.
1. Know Your Soil
Just like humans, no soil is alike. Different types of soil have different types of structures. Plants will thrive if they are planted in the right soil. Always remember these three elements:
- Type of Soil – There are different types of soil. These are the clay, sandy, silty, and loam. Out of all these types, loam soil is the most ideal because it is perfectly balanced with moisture, humus, and fertility.
- Soil pH – This concerns the nutrients and fertility of the soil. If you are planting a sustainable vegetable garden, make sure that the pH reaches 6.0 to 7.0.
- Nutrition of the Soil – This is where the NPK Ratio comes to play. This stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Having a balanced amount of these nutrients will make your vegetable garden grow well.
2. Prepare Your Soil
Make sure that your garden area is free from rocks and debris. Once cleared, loosen up the soil up to 8 inches deep and add organic matter when your soil is moist. Don’t forget to pull out the weeds. Lastly, use a metal rake the even out your garden bed.
3. Test Your Soil
Have your soil tested by experts so that you will know the proper way to work around it. Testing will give out accurate information about the type, nutrients, and pH level of your soil.
4. Improve Your Soil
It is better to use organic fertilizers and pesticides in your soil. This will make it healthier not just for your plants but also for the environment.
Conclusion
It is necessary to do proper research before starting your first garden. This can help you avoid mistakes that can cost too much time and money. We hope that these tips and tricks were able to give you a clear idea of what to do and what to expect once you start your gardening journey.