I'm new to gardening and this is my first year with the beds that were already set up when I moved into my house. Honestly, it hasn't been the best season for me. I added some compost and manure at the beginning, but besides that, I mostly relied on diatomaceous earth, blood meal, and bone meal. I'm looking for advice on how to better prep the soil for next year. What steps can I take to improve my garden beds?
2 Answers
You mentioned issues with shading from trees; that's definitely something worth considering. Maybe try planting taller plants like tomatoes on the side that gets more sun, and place herbs where they might get a bit of shade. Also, using mulch can help retain moisture and keep soil temperatures consistent throughout the season.
It sounds like you've had a tough start! To really improve your soil for next year, consider doing a thorough soil test. This will help you understand any nutrient deficiencies or pH imbalances. Adding organic matter, like aged compost or well-rotted manure, can enhance soil structure and fertility. Also, rotating your crops each year can prevent pest issues and nutrient depletion.
Great point about the soil test! I did one last year and it really opened my eyes to what my plants needed. Plus, rotating crops keeps things interesting and healthy!
Oh yes, mulch is a game changer! I did that this year, and it helped keep my plants happy despite the heat!