How do I prepare the soil for a flower garden?
Timing and Chosing a SpotPrepare the soil the fall before the spring you plan to plant your flower garden. This will give the fertilizer and compost time to work throughout the soil. Pick a spot for your flower garden that doesn’t collect standing water when it rains. Spots that dry quickly after rain have the good drainage necessary for a successful garden.Clear the GroundWeed the area you will plant your flowers with a small hand shovel. Remove any rocks, twigs or other debris. Pass over the whole area of the garden with a garden tiller to loosen the soil.Add Organic MaterialCover the loosened soil with a 1-inch layer of organic material like peat moss or straw to improve drainage. Sprinkle 1 cup of fertilizer per square yard over the organic material. Make another pass over the whole area with your tiller, mixing in the fertilizer and organic material. Smooth the soil with a rake.
