What is the Best Way to Improve Soil in an Established Perennial Bed? (2024)

FAQs

How to amend soil around perennials? ›

The best way to amend soil in an existing garden is by top-dressing the bed with an inch or two of compost each season. The compost will break down, improving the soil structure and fertility. Plus, you'll perk up your perennials.

Regular compost applications help aerate soil and improve water-retention and drainage. Sowing cover crops and turning them will also help improve raised soil. Tip: You can till raised garden bed soil, but keep in mind that disturbing raised bed soil will break up the soil web that you've created.

Replenish lost nutrients by adding slow-release fertilizers, vermiculite or compost. Because compost is dense, it can lead to compaction and should be used judiciously (a ratio of one part compost to three to four parts potting soil is most effective).

“Another option for gardeners who have larger containers is to remove only the top 6 inches or so of the old potting soil and replace it with new potting soil,” he said. “Since they aren't replacing all the soil, they're saving money while still refreshing the upper area, which will aid in root growth.

Think of it this way; all through the year, your plants are growing and drawing energy from the sun, and nutrients from the soil. Yet in a finite space, the nutrients within it will likely be exhausted by the end of the season. So it's essential that you replace those depleted reserves.

Remove all the debris from your garden soil including rocks, grass and weeds. Work the existing soil with a fork, spade or rotivator to a fine tilth, thoroughly breaking up any clods of clay. Spread a 3 inch layer of topsoil over the flowerbed and then dig or rotivate until the two soils are completely combined.

Adding compost or another organic material is often the easiest way to amend soil. In some cases, a yearly application of compost might eliminate the need for all other forms of amendments. Plant-based composts are lower in salts than those containing decomposed animal manure.

Simply add organic debris to the soil surface and let your “underground herd” break it down. As it does, it will improve your soil's texture and make nutrients available to your plants. So don't be shy about applying copious amounts of organic residue to your soil.

Six tips for healthy soil in your garden

Add organic matter. Incorporate compost to compacted soil to increase air, water and nutrients for plants. Protect topsoil with mulch or cover crops. Don't use chemicals unless there's no alternative.

What do you add to soil when planting perennials? ›

Add as much organic matter to your planting area as you can. Use things like compost, old leaves, mushroom compost, shredded bark mulch, bark fines or composted manure. Perennials live in the same spot for many years. Adding lots of organic matter creates a base that helps plants thrive.

Mulching. Mulching is an integral part of no-till gardening. Cultivators add mulch in layers over time to work more nutrients into the soil, insulate the roots from extreme temperatures, and reduce weed and pest infections.

Here are the steps to improve clay soil: Add 6 to 8 inches of organic matter to the entire bed. Untreated grass clippings, shredded leaves, rotted manure, and compost are all perfect choices. Spread the organic matter on top of the soil, then work it into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil.