Soil preparation, especially for a new garden, is very important.  The whole purpose behind preparing soil is to create a fertile textured space where plants can grow strong roots.  Year after year of soil preparation will only serve to improve your soil quality over time.

Think of preparing soil like preparing a good chicken soup.  You pick your ingredients (nutrients) in all different shapes and forms (leaves, manure, compost).  You add the ingredients in different amounts at different times.  Stirring up your mixture here and there, your result is a rich, hearty, nutritious…patch of soil.

Fall

You soil preparation can start in the Fall.  This way, you can add organic materials to the soil that can decompose over the next few months.  This is often referred to as sheet composting.  After adding sheet compost (leaves, old vegetation, hay, etc.), turn the soil over so the organic materials remain on the top layer.  This is a great time to rent a roto tiller.  Place the roto tiller on a low speed and mix up the soil.  The better mixed up the soil is, the better the organic matter will decompose, supplying nutrients to the soil.  Do not add fertilizers or lime at this point.  They will only drain away with the spring rains.

Spring

When do you start in spring?  Most seed companies will say, “as soon as the ground can be worked.”  This usually means after the soil is dried from spring rains.  The best way to test if your soil is ready to be worked is to grab a handful and squeeze.  Touch the soil with your fingers.  If it falls apart easily, the ground is dry enough to be worked.  Otherwise, wait a bit more for the sun to dry out the soil. 

Steps

1) First use a string and stakes to define your plot area.
2) Soil should be dug and turn over to spade depth, at least 8 inches.
     a. For smaller plots, a shovel is best
     b. For larger plots, you may want to rent a power tiller
3) Add fertilizer.  A good general fertilizer to start out with is a 5-10-5 mix.  Apply it over the ground with a spreader, or lightly toss it on.  A good rule of measure is 4 to 5 pounds for every 100 sq. feet. 
4) Add lime.
5) Add compost if you have it. 
6) Cover added materials so they remain in the top layer of the soil and mix it all together.
7) Wait a week or so for the soil to get nice and happy for your planting.

Manure

Manure is a very effective way to improve your soil for vegetable gardening.  Fresh manure has high urine content, which can burn small plants.  If you have fresh manure, add it in the fall and turn it over.  If well rotted manure is available, it can be added just before planting time at the quantity of 1 bushel for every 50 square feet.  Then add a handful of superphosphate for balancing the nutrients. 

Green Manure

Green manure refers to plants that you can plant in your soil in fall, and then turn under in spring.  This method can often remedy poor soils (by adding a great source of nitrogen).  It also serves to improve water retention and drainage.  Great green manure crops include rye, soy beans and clover.  You can usually buy these at your local Ventura garden store or buy them online.  Don’t think of this as a replacement for fertilizer and lime, just an additional boost. 

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