Soil Preparation Before Planting for Organic Garden and Agricultures

If you decide to use your garden to grow vegetables in it is not really advisable just to dig up the lawn and sow seeds. There are several reasons for this, the first being the quality of the soil, the second is the fact that unseen pests may be present that will eat your crops long before you have a chance, therefore soil preparation is paramount. To determine the type of ground and its suitability for planting, it is recommended that you have the soil tested. This test will show the pH level as well as levels of nutrients and minerals. There are basically two ways to have your ground tested. You can either use a home test kit, or send sample to a lab for analysis. Home test kits are relatively cheap and simple to use, however, a lab test may be more accurate.

The best way to improve the condition is to add as much organic material as possible, such as well rotted manure with straw, grass clippings , if you have any. Try not to add leaves as these take a while to rot down and take valuable nitrogen from the ground, instead put the leaves in a wire cage to allow them to decompose so they can be used as a mulch when required.

The organic matter should be dug well to a depth of at least 12 inches, preferably 18 inches, as this will loosen it and allow root development, it will also disturb the breeding cycle of any pests that are lying dormant and because of this it is a good idea to dig the ground over two or three times before planting.

Remember these pests like your crops!

Ideally you would prepare your ground in the autumn and let the winter weather break it down. Dig it again early in the year, weather permitting, then cover with black plastic sheeting as this will cause the soil to warm up giving you a head start when you come to sow your seeds.

Remember the importance of soil preparation. A little work now and your garden will reward you with lots of wonderfully nutritious food.