Southern Gardening Guide

Spruce up your garden with fresh ideas and simple how-tos

Secret to Perfect Soil

Who wouldn't want to turn crummy dirt into yummy dirt? It's only natural.

  • Secret to Perfect Soil

    Composted cow manure contains both nutrients and billions of beneficial bacteria.

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Soft Soil at Last
Don't expect overnight results. Because plants, microbes, and earthworms break down organic matter, you'll need to add more next year. But eventually, you'll have that rich, soft soil you've always dreamed about. And you won't lose any more fillings.

It Helps Sand Too
Sand seems like the opposite of clay. It's so loose that water and nutrients pass straight through it, leaving plants thirsty and hungry. Know how to fix this? Amend sandy soil with lots and lots of organic matter.

"Secret to Perfect Soil" is from the May 2004 issue of Southern Living.

Steve Bender

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