How do I properly amend soil with organic matter?

Enhancing soil with organic matter requires some preparation. First, test your soil's pH and nutrient levels. This tells you what your garden specifically needs. I do this every spring before planting season. All amendments for your garden will build off this fundamental step.

Use area measurements to determine the quantities of amendments. When measuring garden beds, use square feet as the unit of measurement. The rate of application of amendments, as per your tests, is correct. I use length times width. Your amendments will work correctly if you have accurate measurements.

Time your applications wisely to maximize your benefits. In the Spring, you need to apply amendments during a 4-6 week period before planting. In the Fall, you can use it after harvest. Timing should always avoid periods of prior rainfall or saturated soils. Personally, I usually schedule my activities around the weather forecast information. Optimal timing allows nutrients to be available for plant use.

After applying the amendments, ensure that you thoroughly water the soil to allow it to absorb the nutrients. Keeping it moist will activate the biological activity of the amendments. Watering deeply will help nutrients leach and move into the soil layers. I water deeply enough until the soil feels possibly damp halfway down to 6 inches. Your amendments need the moisture to activate and work.

Maintain the amended soil annually by testing it. Re-testing is essential to evaluate the periodic changes. You will adjust your amendment ratios according to the test results. I maintain a garden journal documenting test results. The approach is beneficial as it consistently improves your soil.

Begin with a small garden area. Make amendments to a location for a trial. See how plants respond before going larger. I improved the garden gradually over the seasons. Your success will lead to confidence to go bigger.

Read the full article: 10 Essential Organic Soil Amendments