Guide
How to Prepare Soil Before Planting
Prepare garden soil with compost, drainage, texture checks, and simple fertility improvements.
Test texture by hand
Soil texture affects air, water, and root movement.
- Sandy soil falls apart quickly.
- Clay soil forms sticky ribbons.
- Loamy soil holds shape but crumbles easily.
- Improve all types with compost.
Improve drainage
Roots need air as much as they need water.
- Avoid planting in standing water.
- Raise beds in heavy clay.
- Add compost instead of plain sand.
- Use containers with open drainage holes.
Feed the soil
Slow, steady fertility is better than strong fertilizer shocks.
- Add mature compost.
- Use balanced organic fertilizer for hungry crops.
- Mulch to protect soil life.
- Rotate crop families each season.
Common questions
Can I reuse old potting soil?
Yes, if it has no disease. Refresh it with compost and remove old roots before planting again.
How much compost should I add?
For most beds, mix 2 to 5 cm of mature compost into the top soil before planting.
How to use this advice
- Pages are written for practical beginner decisions and should be adapted to local weather, soil, and container conditions.
- Plant recovery guidance is based on observable new growth, because old damaged leaves often do not return to normal.
- Watering advice is intentionally conditional: soil moisture, drainage, heat, and plant stage matter more than fixed daily schedules.
Reviewed by: Paudho Editorial Desk, Beginner gardening editor. Practical review for clarity, safety, and beginner actionability. Replace or augment with named horticulture reviewers as they are onboarded.