Are you thinking of revamping your outdoor space? Then, it’s best to start planning before spring arrives, and one primary task to tackle is soil preparation. It hinges on ensuring healthy soil, the key element of environments conducive to plant growth. Let’s discuss what you must do to get your yard’s soil ready for landscaping magic.
Clear the Area
First, give your yard a clean slate. Remove any dead grass, leaves, branches, weeds (down to the root), rocks, trash—anything that doesn’t belong there. Old plants and debris tend to attract and harbor pests and diseases. So, this initial task helps protect your new plantings and promote their growth.
Check the Soil’s Condition
Soil testing reveals the soil’s nutrient content, pH level, and structure. With this information, you can better decide how to optimize soil health. You can use a test kit or, better yet, hire professionals for a comprehensive assessment.
Break Up and Aerate the Soil
Compacted soil inhibits plant roots’ access to essential nutrients and water, hindering growth. To avoid that, create tiny holes in the ground using a garden fork for smaller areas and a rototiller for large spaces. For new garden beds, loosen the soil roughly 12 to 14 inches deep, while two to three inches will do for existing beds. Also, avoid working with wet soil since they may clump together, further impacting plant growth.
Supplement the Soil
Now is the time to enrich the soil and address any imbalances based on your soil test results. Spread a generous layer of compost, manure, or other organic matter over your garden beds to improve soil structure and drainage. These materials also help the soil retain moisture and boost its nutrient levels.
Adjust your soil’s pH level accordingly, too. If it’s overly acidic, neutralize it by adding appropriate amounts of powdered or pelleted lime. Conversely, if it’s highly alkaline, peat moss, sulfur, aluminum sulfate, or iron sulfate will do the trick.
Even Out the Ground
After amending the soil, it’s time to grab a rake and create a smooth, level base for planting. This step helps prevent water from pooling and harming your plants while giving your yard a tidy appearance.
Install Landscape Fabric
Consider adding landscaping fabric, a permeable barrier that helps suppress weed growth without obstructing water and air. Lay it directly on top of areas where you don’t want weeds to sprout. Afterward, cover the fabric with a thin layer of mulch to secure it in place and create a pristine look.
Lay the Groundwork for Your Spring Yard
Investing in time and effort to prepare your garden beds for spring is the secret to a lush yard year-round. With the pointers above, you can better plan your landscaping project and ensure its success. For expert design and construction in Spokane Valley, WA, and North Idaho, don’t hesitate to call Blend Outdoor Design + Construction.
