We prepare agricultural land for cultivation by turning the soil, tilling, analyzing the pH and micronutrients, and correcting their characteristics. Gardeners can operate successfully if they employ similar techniques on a smaller scale. Applying compost with different methods can solve many soil problems.
Steps
Step 1. Choose a location with the basic requirements for the plants you intend to grow
Normally, this will mean good exposure to direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours each day, and enough drainage to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. Also consider possible pests that may visit the garden and get busy, so it may be better to work inside a fenced area.
Step 2. Take a sample of the soil material
The basic composition of the soils can be sandy, sandy loamy, loamy, loamy loamy, and clayey. Clay soils do not drain sufficiently and need silt, sand, or other modifications to allow excess water to drain. Sandy soils drain too much and will need to be properly composted or enriched with clay or good silt. Garden shops can test the soil pH, or acidity, and may recommend the addition of lime or sulfur to adjust the acidity level according to the requirements of the plants to be grown.
Step 3. Design the layout of the garden, leaving room for plants to grow, climb, or form bushes as they grow
Watermelons, cucumbers, and zucchini all take up a lot of space, while, onions, radishes, and beets can all be grown in smaller spaces. Organize the space so that you can work and plants can grow.
Step 4. Pull out the overgrowth from the soil, removing weeds, grasses and other materials to keep it clean
These can end up in compost for later use, but shouldn't be used until composted.
Step 5. Turn the soil back using a shovel or rotary tiller as deep as possible
Remember, plant roots will push deep into the soil, and digging and hoeing will facilitate their task by loosening the soil. Remove large stones or rocks as you work, along with any roots or debris. It may be necessary to go through more than one pass to work on very compacted soils.
Step 6. Add soil remediation necessary to balance soil pH and to support plant growth under optimal conditions
This can mean adding compost or loam to sand or sand to heavy clay, and because this can vary greatly from area to area, speak to a local gardener or expert for advice. Dig or turn the garden over again to mix in the fixes, as needed.
Step 7. Smooth the soil with a rake, leveling the unevenness (unless you want to create height variations for aesthetics or drainage)
Step 8. Fertilize the soil according to the needs of the plants
Too much nitrogen causes beautiful foliage to grow, but fruitless, and this is not a usual goal for a home gardener.
Step 9. Turn the medium over and mix thoroughly once more after adding all the fixes
Let the soil rest for several days and keep it moist if possible before planting.
Step 10. Set up posts for vines, raise beds where they are useful, prepare furrows
.. and plant!
