But if you don't have a tiller, just keep adding topsoil and compost and some manure until you get a good, deep bed to work in. In this area, with our soil, adding raised beds to your gardens will be single biggest factor in your being successful as a gardener. Some plants, however, are very particular about this. Azaleas, for example, want acid soil and will be unhappy, in varying degrees, to the point of death, if they don't get it. On the other end of the spectrum, Lavenders want Limey soil, and like azaleas, will languish or die if their Ph needs aren't met.
Soil can be 'Sweetened' by adding lime.
At Lazy S'S, all of our plants have signs that indicate if soil Ph is a factor in our plants so you can meet their needs. That our plants are true to name. That they are healthy when they leave here. Drought, Tornadoes, Floods, Etc. or Acts of God 3. Lawn Mower or Weed Eater use in the area of your plant.