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By Sean McEvoy
How to Prepare the Soil for a Flower Garden
When preparing your garden for planting flowers, you might wonder if different flowers need certain soil to grow? The answer is yes! Some flowers need acidic soil while others strive in basic, well-tilled earth. Checking your soil’s pH and preparing it correctly can make all the difference.
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By Sean McEvoy
OverviewProper preparation of the soil in your flower garden is vital for optimal growth. There may be specific steps you will have to take depending on the needs of your plants. But in general, a well-tilled garden with proper nutrient levels will lead to the best results. Testing your soil will allow you to determine what types of chemicals or nutrients need to be added to your garden’s soil. Finally, be sure that your garden has the proper amount of water drainage for your plants.Step 1Use a soil test kit to determine the condition of your soil. Soil test kits are available at most home and garden stores and will provide instructions to send to laboratories for testing. They will likely provide you with specific recommendations for bringing your soil’s nutrients to optimal levels.Step 2Add the appropriate chemicals to bring your soil to the necessary pH level. Different types of plants and flowers require different pH levels. A chemical such as lime raises the pH, while sulfur lowers it. Be careful to not over-apply chemicals. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.Step 3Till the soil about 5 inches deep and work in the chemicals or soil treatments you are adding.Step 4Remove any debris that you find, such as rocks, branches and roots.Step 5Add compost made from food scraps, aged manure or decayed plant material, if desired. Work it throughout the soil, at least several inches deep.Step 6Add mulch after you have planted your flowers. A layer of 2 to 3 inches is optimal and will keep your plants moist while inhibiting weeds and erosion.Step 7Retest the soil periodically in order to maintain the optimum levels of nutrients and pH that your plants need.skill2ingredientSoil test kit
Soil sample
Garden tools for tilling and shoveling
Chemical treatments for soil
Compost
MulchingredientsSoil test kitingredientsSoil sampleingredientsGarden tools for tilling and shovelingingredientsChemical treatments for soilingredientsCompostingredientsMulchtipResearch the specific needs of your plants in order to maximize their growth.tipsResearch the specific needs of your plants in order to maximize their growth.keywordgarden flower pH soilkeywordsgardenkeywordsflowerkeywordspHkeywordssoilResourcesreferencePenn State article on soil preparation
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