Always start with good
soil, if you think it is bad, you may want to buy a
testing kit and determine your soil needs. Ideal
soil is that which will easily crumble in your
hands. Adding admendments to your soil may be
necessary to get the best soil. Clay Soil - If the
soil sticks together then it is clay soil, and will
cause problems for good drainage of water to
happen. Sand Soil - If the
soil does not stick together and has too much air
in it, then it has too much sand in it. It will not
hold the nutrients the plants need to survive
well. Loam - This is the
best kind of soil, it is right in between the clay
and sand soil. One can always add compost
or organic (natural) soil admendments, such as
leaves, compost, horse manure or pre-packaged items
from the nursery that have nutrients. Follow
directions on the bags when using pre-packaged
admendments. Soil admendments and
fertilizers will always help make the soil better.
Most plants require an
average of one inch of water every week. Try to
water plants earlier in the day so that the sun can
help dry off the excess water on the plant. If the
plant is wilted check to see if it needs water,
sometimes plants will wilt if they have too much
water as well. Putting mulch around the
base of a plant can help hold in the water and keep
weeds away. It also helps insulate plants during
the winter months. Make sure that you
research what climate you live in. Research what
zone you live in, then you can optimize your garden
with plants that develop well in that area.