The Garden Bug: Prepping the soil

By Brenda Weaver

Work now to improve your soil for the coming year's growth. First: do a soil test to see if it is lacking pH-raising materials like lime, or acidifying items like elemental sulfur, and purchase what is needed. With a pitchfork or spade, gently begin breaking up your existing soil, then gently work in compost, cow or horse manure, any needed materials determined by your soil testing, and organic fertilizers like greensand, rock phosphate, kelp, bonemeal or bloodmeal. The microbes and beneficial soil-dwellers will start working right away to break all these nutrients down in time for spring planting.

Source: bonnieplants.com