Soil conditioners are materials added to soil to improve the health of plants and increase plant growth. Soil conditioner materials should vary based on the needs of the soil. Some soils lack nutrients while others may be unable to hold water or hold too much water. Conditioners are available commercially premixed, but the best conditioner is one you make yourself by combining materials that suit the needs of your soil. Conditioner options include compost, manure, peat moss, lime and sulfur. Application of conditioners is fairly simple and straightforward.
Instructions
1. Till soil with rototiller or rake 6 to 8 inches deep.
2. Remove weeds and rocks from soil. Pull weeds by hand or loosen them with a rake before pulling. Sort through soil to find rocks; remove or loosen the rocks with a rake if the rocks were not dislodged in tilling.
3. Perform a soil test to determine the needs of the soil. Take samples from different areas of a dry garden, mix together and test. Tests can be purchased at garden centers; local extension offices will often perform tests for you.
4. Till lime into soil if pH is too low or sulfur if pH is too high--work to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
5. Till 2 to 3 inches of compost, peat, manure or a combination of the three into top of soil. All add nutrients and improve drainage.
6. Rake area level, moving the rake across the soil until soil appears smooth and level.
7. Water the soil well--water until the top layer of soil appears completely covered and saturated.
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