Improving your Soil
Perhaps the most import job in the garden is to improve and maintain the quality of the soil. Good plant growth is dependent on healthy roots and healthy roots are totally dependent on healthy soil.
Soil Improvers
A soil rich in organic matter provides food for beneficial soil organisms such as worms, which in turn work their magic by mixing and improving the soil. The best way to improve a soil is to dig in plenty of rich organic matter. Use Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure or Soil Conditioner. Dig these in thoroughly, breaking up any large clods of clay.
Spread Soil Conditioner or Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure over the surface of the dug area and work it into the soil with a fork. Soil Conditioner contains a high proportion of organic material mixed together with a generous proportion of farmyard manure. These natural materials will absorb and hold water in the soil and improve its structure, providing essential air pockets for drainage and for the roots to breathe. The high organic content also encourages the activity of beneficial soil dwelling organisms including worms.
Sandy Soil
If you have very sandy soil that is quickly leached of nutrients then the more soil conditioner you can add the better. Mix it into bare soil or use it as a top dressing around existing plants.
Clay Soil
For clay soil it can be hard work digging organic matter into the topsoil. Do it gradually. When planting new plants use plenty of planting compost in the hole and back fill with plenty more mixing it into the soil to create a gradual change from compost to soil in the vicinity of the roots. Chop up large clumps of clay and leave it on the soil surface to be baked by the sun, it can then be crumbled and mixed with Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure. Dig the garden in late autumn and leave the clods of clay for the frost to break up.
Organic Gardeners
Organic gardeners can choose Gro-Sure Vegetable Growing Compost to improve their soil and add vital structure and organic matter to support healthy plant growth. Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure is also ideal for conditioning the soil and adds vital nutrients and water holding organic matter to garden areas where heavy feeders deplete soil nutrients quickly, such as the vegetable plot or rose beds.
For general soil improvement, or to replace depleted topsoil, use the specially selected and sterilised Top Soil that is graded to ensure the very best results in the garden.
Permanent garden plants such as roses, trees and shrubs need careful planting to ensure they establish well and perform to their full potential. Plant in a specialist compost such as West+ Rose, Tree & Shrub Compost & 4 Month Feed which is enriched with root builder to aid the establishment of plants.
