Soil Preparation That Prevents Plant Failure
Soil preparation is the highest leverage action in gardening. Poor soil cannot be fixed quickly once plants are in the ground.
Identify Soil Type First
Clay soils hold water but suffocate roots. Sandy soils drain fast but lack nutrients. Loam is ideal but rare.
Correct Structure
Add compost to improve both drainage and retention. This stabilizes moisture levels and reduces plant stress.
Do Not Over-Till
Excessive tilling destroys soil structure and microbial life, leading to long-term degradation.
Healthy soil eliminates most downstream problems.