If the soil lumps, allow it to dry until a squeezed handful crumbles easily. Beds that can be worked and weeded without walking on the soil around plants are best. Raised beds also work very well. The best plantbeds have loamy soil which can retain large amounts of water but still drain well after heavy rains. Loamy soil also stays crumbly and workable without becoming hard, allowing good root growth.
Plants also survive cold winters better in loamy, humus-rich soils.
Check soil to see whether it is loamy or a heavy clay. In heavy clay soil, rotted compost is an excellent amendment and may be preferred over Canadian peat. Mix soil well, breaking up all clods. Reapply fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Grouping plants according to their blooming season, sun and water needs.