Improving soils Lawn and gardens The lawn and gardens will be in place for many years. While a garden may be fertilized later, the lawn becomes difficult and often impractical to dig up after it is established. Therefore, it is important to get the soil well prepared before planting. Dark color and crumbly texture may indicate good soil but are not a guarantee that the soil contains all the necessary nutrients. Have a soil test run before the soil is prepared so that fertilizer deficiencies may be corrected as well as pH. After the soil test results have been returned, work any recommended materials into the upper 6 inches of soil.
Organic matter is very important to successful plant growth.
At least 2 percent organic matter should be present for growing lawn grasses. Other garden plants will thrive in a soil with about 5 percent organic matter. To add this organic matter spread 1 to 3 inches of peat, compost or well-rotted manure over the soil when other nutrients are added. All these should then be worked to a depth of about 6 inches into the existing soil. Surface applications of organic matter do not provide the soil aeration, moisture regulation and deep root penetration that is possible when organic matter is mixed into the soil.