Dear Ask Kitty,
This is an unusual question to ask but it’s kind of about gardening. I am wondering if there is any way to soften soil? The spot for my garden was turned over last year and then I did not get to do anything with it past there. In the fall it was a square spot of big clumps and bumps.
Thank you, Bumpy Soil
Dear Bumpy Soil,
This is a perfect garden question. Soil is the beginning of the gardening adventure. You, my fine friend, are very lucky. The best method for breaking down the lumps of soil in a new turned garden is to let it ‘winter over’. This winter will have done most of the work for you. I remember many times watching ruts in lawns and fields literally disappear over the winter. Please allow your garden space to become dry before you carry on with your preparation for planting.
Your soil is the key to a successful gardening experience, so be sure and do your amendments before planting. Your new garden space will be best if you take the time to till or rake it smooth and add plenty of compost. This seems odd to smooth it then add more to it but it is easiest to work the compost into the smoothed soil.
Till or use a shovel and rake to be sure the compost is well worked in (at least eight to 10 inches deep). You can test your soil for ph balance if you like but well aged compost has a nearly perfect ph of seven, so it should guide your soil to being balanced as well.
If you were just turning your soil this year to start your garden you would turn it, rest it for a few days and then till or rake, adding compost while you do this.
An easier way to prepare a garden space on a grassy area is to cover the area with many layers of paper and wet it down. Add a layer of soil and then more paper. Wet this second layer down and add more soil. Let it rest for a couple of weeks and add more soil and compost that has been well mixed. Let it rest again for a few weeks. Your garden space will be ready to plant as soon as all danger of frost has gone. The paper will break down and the grass underneath will be gone. Continue to add soil and compost throughout the season.
You will have lovely soil and fewer weeds.
Happy gardening, Kitty
