Incorporate compost and organic matter annually

Mix 2-4 inches of compost, aged manure, or shredded leaves into the top 6-12 inches of garden soil each year before planting. This single practice improves almost every soil problem simultaneously.

Why It Works

Organic matter loosens heavy clay for better drainage and aeration, improves water retention in sandy soil, provides a slow release of nutrients, and feeds the soil microorganisms that make nutrients available to plants. It also buffers soil pH toward the slightly acidic range most vegetables prefer (6.0-7.0).

Tips

• Homemade compost is free; municipal compost is often available cheaply in bulk
• Aged manure (at least 6 months old) is safer than fresh, which can burn plants and introduce pathogens
• Shredded leaves are an excellent free source of organic matter in fall
• This is widely regarded as the single most effective soil improvement for any soil type