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Soil Preparation & Planting
Test and amend your soilYou will need to gather samples from several spots, since soil characteristics vary across your lawn. Take one random sample for each 1,000 square feet of lawn. To take a sample, dig 3 inches into the ground and scoop up a handful of soil with a trowel or use a soil probe. You should use clean tools to avoid contaminating your sample. Place your samples in a bucket and mix random samples thoroughly. Scoop out 1 cup of soil. This is your sample, ready for testing. |
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What are soil amendments? How should I add amendments?Soil amendments help improve soil properties. In fact, most gardens have soils that are often sandy or clay-like. Poor soil may dry into hard clods that small roots cannot penetrate, causing plants to grow slowly. By adding amendments such as compost, peat moss or well-rotted manure, you supply organic materials that will decompose, releasing nutrients and improving drainage. The improved soil texture is easier for fine roots to penetrate and get established. It's a good idea to amend the soil each season before new crops or flowers are planted. |
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What is the difference between gypsum and lime?Gypsum is calcium sulfate, and lime is calcium carbonate. Adding lime increases the pH of the soil. Gypsum is often used as a source of calcium on soils that wouldn't benefit from increasing the pH. |
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