Preparing and improving your soil
Everything you grow depends on what is underneath it. Get the soil right and seeds germinate strongly, roots run deep, and plants shrug off pests and dry spells. The good news: almost any soil can be improved, and it does not take much.
Good soil is loose (roots and water move freely), rich (plenty of organic matter), draining (moist but never waterlogged) and alive (full of worms and microbes).
Which soil do you have?
Grab a handful of moist soil and squeeze.
What it feels like | Soil type | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
Gritty, falls apart | Sandy | drains fast; organic matter to hold moisture |
Sticky, holds its shape | Clay | rich but heavy and slow to drain; organic matter to open it up |
Soft and crumbly, holds together loosely | Loam | the ideal, and still improved by compost |
The fix for almost every soil is the same: add organic matter.
Improving it with organic matter
Well-rotted compost, leaf mould or manure is the single best thing you can add. Spread 3 to 5 centimetres over the surface and either fork it lightly into the top layer or let the worms pull it down.
It feeds the soil life, improves structure, helps sandy soil hold water and helps clay drain. Repeat every season and your soil gets better year on year.
Preparing a seedbed
- Clear — weeds and debris
- Loosen — the top layer
- Add compost — 3 to 5 centimetres
- Rake level — a fine surface
- Firm gently — good contact with the seed
- Water — before sowing
Break up lumps and rake the surface level; small seeds need good contact with the soil. Avoid digging when the ground is soaking wet or frozen, and try not to walk on prepared beds, which compacts them.
Feed the soil, not just the plant
Healthy soil releases nutrients slowly all season. Top it up with compost and give hungry crops a balanced organic feed. A mulch on top keeps moisture in and weeds down while it slowly breaks down into the soil.
Common mistakes
- Digging wet or frozen soil — it ruins the structure.
- Skipping organic matter — soil gets tired and hungry.
- Walking on prepared beds — compaction stops roots and drainage.
- Using garden soil in seed trays — start seeds in fresh seed compost instead.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to dig my soil every year? No. Many gardeners get great results with no-dig: compost on top, and the worms do the work.
How do I know if my soil drains well? Dig a hole, fill it with water and watch. If it sits for hours, improve drainage with organic matter and consider raised beds.
Can I improve poor soil quickly? Compost gives an immediate boost, but the biggest gains come from topping up every season.
What about containers? Use fresh potting compost, not garden soil — it stays too dense in pots.
The full version of this guide is on seedschoice.com.
For a healthy garden
- Green manures for better soil
- Organic green manures
- Bee-friendly flowers
- Vegetables you can sow this month
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Updated on: 05/10/2026
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