Let’s face it—your garden’s success starts with your dirt! Whether you’re planting a flower bed, vegetable garden, or establishing a lush lawn, the foundation of healthy plants begins below the surface. Before you pick out plants or lay mulch, take the time to loosen and amend your soil for optimal growth.
Why Soil Conditions Matter
The single most important factor in any soil is that it remains loose and well-aerated, not compacted. Unfortunately, in most city lots and around new homes, soil is heavily compacted due to construction and traffic. This results in poor water penetration, inadequate drainage, and, worst of all—roots that struggle to grow.
Even if you dig a generously sized hole for planting, roots want to stretch beyond that small space. That’s why it’s strongly recommended to till your planting beds to a depth of at least 10 inches before planting. This one simple step can make all the difference between a thriving, lush landscape and a struggling, stunted one.
How to Improve Your Soil
Tilling alone isn’t enough; you need to add nutrients and organic matter to your soil to create the perfect growing environment. This is especially important if you’re dealing with either heavy clay soil (which holds too much water) or sandy soil (which drains too quickly). If you’re lucky enough to have the perfect sandy loam, that’s great for you! (The rest of us are envious.)
For everyone else, incorporating compost, manure, or a high-quality soil mix like Cowsmo Potting Mix or Sargent’s Garden Lawn Mix will improve soil structure and fertility. When tilling to a 10-inch depth, layer approximately 3 inches of soil amendment on top before blending it in.
Should You Test Your Soil?
If you’re unsure of your soil’s specific needs, a soil test is a great place to start. Testing can reveal essential information like pH levels, nutrient deficiencies, and organic matter content.
The University of Minnesota Soil Lab offers easy testing services (U of MN Soil Lab), and if you bring your results to Sargent’s, we’ll help you interpret them!
The Benefits of Soil Amendments & Mulch
A well-amended soil doesn’t just help plants grow—it transforms your entire landscape. Here’s why soil amendments are a must-have:
Improves Soil Structure – Loosens compacted soil, allowing roots to expand and access nutrients.
Boosts Nutrient Content – Provides essential elements for strong, healthy plant growth.
Enhances Water Retention – Helps soil hold moisture longer, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Balances pH Levels – Adjusts acidity or alkalinity to suit your specific plant needs.
Quality Soil Amendments Available at Sargent’s
We carry everything you need to build healthier soil and create a thriving garden:
- Cowsmo Potting Soil – A premium mix of compost manure, peat, perlite, sand, lime, rock phosphate, bone meal, and kelp (available in 1.5 cu ft bags).
- 85% Humus / 15% Compost Manure – Available in ¾ cu ft bags.
Sargent’s Garden Lawn Mix – A blend of 57% pulverized soil, 29% Cowsmo compost manure, and 14% sand (available in bulk).
Pulverized Soil (Black Dirt) – Available in bulk or ¾ cu ft bags.
Non-Pulverized Soil (Black Dirt) – Available in bulk.
Cowsmo Certified Organic Compost – Local composted cow manure, available in bulk.
Sargent's Bulk Soils
Invest in Your Soil—Your Garden Will Thank You!
Amending your soil is one of the best investments you can make in your garden or landscape. Healthy, nutrient-rich soil leads to stronger plants, better blooms, and higher vegetable yields. Take the time to loosen, enrich, and nourish your soil—you’ll never regret it! Stop by Sargent’s and let us help you get started on the right foot this season.
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