I've just moved into a new house with a garden bed that has existing soil. This is my first experience with gardening – my only prior work has been limited to caring for succulents. I plan to plant some herbs and green onions. The previous owner once grew tomatoes, but they weren't producing any fruit, which makes me question the soil's quality. How can I assess whether the soil is still good for planting?
3 Answers
You might want to reach out to your local county extension service, as they often provide soil testing for residents. It’s a great way to get an accurate reading on soil quality!
If you haven't finalized the house purchase, consider asking your real estate agent for any details about the soil. Depending on conditions, the previous owner might need to handle issues before you close. If you already own the house, don’t fret too much – while it might not be stellar, mixing in some compost can really help improve less-than-great soil, especially for hardy plants. Just avoid planting anything super sensitive to diseases to be on the safe side.
If you’re looking for immediate results, buying a soil tester kit can give you a good idea of what's going on. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you could just mix in new nutrients or even replace the soil entirely to get your herbs started!
Definitely check the current condition of the soil! If it stays soggy or dries out too quickly, that might hint at drainage issues. Also, see how it feels when you dig in – good soil should be easy to work with, not like trying to break concrete!