Take advantage of opportunities to amend soils with organic material, then carefully regulate the amount of water applied for best plant growth. By doing both, you will realize the greatest results from your gardening efforts. Soil organic amendments Soil improvement is a continual process. It often takes ten or more years to build a productive garden soil. If your soil is too sandy or too high in clay, the solution to both soil extremes is the same - add organic amendments such as compost, peat or manure.
Organic amendments break apart tight clays and hold water and nutrients in loose sands.
Add a two inch layer over the surface of the soil - the equivalent of four cubic yards per thousand square feet. Mix in thoroughly to a depth of six inches by tilling or spading. With annual plants like vegetables and annual flowers, you have the opportunity to add amendments every year. With perennial plants like trees, you have a one time chance at planting. The best organic amendments are coarse in texture.