Question: How should I prepare the soil in my vegetable and perennial beds before planting?

Answer: You might begin by having your soil tested to check pH and nutrient levels and follow the test resultOs recommendations for amendments. Also, most soils benefit from the addition of organic matter. Organic matter improves drainage in heavy clay soils, and improves water-holding capacity in sandy soils. It also adds nutrients. Decomposed manure, aged compost, dried grass clippings, and shredded leaves are some of the most common types of organic matter you can mix into your soil. Plan to add organic matter to your annual vegetable garden each spring, tilling in compost or well-rotted manure. Though you canOt till your perennial gardens, you can still add organic matter by applying a thin layer of compost each spring and mulching with organic mulches like shredded bark.