Best soil amendments

Listen to this radio show (MP3 download) or read below.

Radio interview source: Doug Jimerson, garden group editor in chief, Better Homes and Gardens

Thanks to our sheep, I probably have some of the most fertile soil around. We have a great big compost pile in back of the barn to collect manure and whatever else can be tossed on it. It makes the soil loose and rich, which is the goal.

One of the best ways to tell if your dirt is desirable is by grabbing a spade and turning over a scoop of soil. Anything wiggling in there? Earthworms add to fertility and improve drainage, so the more worms the better. If you don't see any, it's time to amend the soil to make it healthier.

Heavy clay is the problem in many areas of the country, and Doug Jimerson with Better Homes and Gardens magazine says you attack that by adding as much organic matter as you can.

"Compost, rotted leaves, humus and rotted manure can be used," Jimerson says. "You've got a battle on your hands and there's no quick fix to that. The more you mulch, the more you add, the better that soil's going to get over time."