Quick Fixes For Poor Soil

Layer your way to a more productive garden in just one season.

- Melinda Myers

Whether you’re converting grass to a garden or creating a brand-new planting area as a result of recent construction, the soil probably needs a little elbow grease and TLC.

Incorporating compost or other organic matter into the top foot of your soil improves drainage in yards with heavy clay deposits and helps sandy or rocky plots hold water better. While this process yields healthy plants, it takes decades of yearly maintenance to make a difference. Luckily, a few remedies start to work almost immediately.

Purchasing topsoil and creating new beds on top of your current soil is a less time-consuming alternative. Despite this quick fix, many gardeners end up with weed-filled, poor-draining topsoil that’s worse than what they started with. Always consult friends or family who has found a reliable source before purchasing any topsoil.

Boosting poor soil with recycled materials from your own yard may be a more cost-effective and productive solution.