Maintaining nutrient levels in your soil is vital if you are to grow healthy plants. Digging and forking your soil allows you to loosen any compaction, remove debris and stray weeds as well as providing you with the opportunity to add in organic matter. Plants need the good soil conditions if you want the best results.
So it is essential to improve your soil regularly by digging in organic matter. 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 worms, which are vital for soil health.
Follow the steps below to improve the nutrient levels and help your plants bloom!
Step 1:
Dig over the area of soil that needs improving. Break up any large clumps of soil to relieve the compaction. We recommend using a Digging Spade for any areas that have not previously been dug. If the soil has been cultivated previously then soil can be forked through with the tines of a Digging Fork.
Step 2:
Spread Westland Soil Conditioner or Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure over the surface of the dug area and work it into the soil with a fork. As a general rule add a minimum of a 5cm later of the conditioner or manure over the surface before digging or forking in.
If you are trying to improve the soil in a fruit or vegetable garden, you could also try New Horizon Vegetable Compost instead of the manure.
***If the area is planted then take care not to dig close to the plants or disturb their roots. Alternatively, use Westland Soil Conditioner, or Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure as a mulch applied around established plants and allow worms and soil organisms to work it into the soil.
Step 3:
Dig over the soil deeply again to really mix in the organic matter to the depth of the spade or fork tines.
Step 4:
Tread in the area, using the heels of your wellies to firm in the soil. If any large clumps remain then break them up with the back of a fork.
Step 5:
Finally, rake over the soil with a Soil Rake to remove any stones or left over weeds. It also helps to create an even layer prime and ready for planting.
