We are aware of the fact that, creating a small garden at home is not easy, right? But before we start to have one, how important is it to know the garden soil? What are some procedures that will be helpful to identify whether the soil is bad or not? I would appreciate to hear information about this.

First, you need to check and evaluate the kind of soil which you have in your garden to know if its appropriate for gardening or not. A loamy-type of soil is best, its one that has the right amount of sand, silt and clay. Just a simple test, if you squeeze it lightly the soil should hold its shape.

I agree with giay.

But it also depends on the kinds of plants that you are going to plant.
Some plants require sandy kind of soil, but mostly, almost all kinds of plant require loam type of soil.

You heat the soil up and keep it at a certain temperature in order to kill the dormant seeds, weeds and any pests and diseases. You usually do this if you want soil for seed trays. Personally, I'd not waste time and effort doing it but get a bag of good seed compost from your nearest garden centre.

All types of soil will nourish plants. Whatever it lacks in terms of nutrients can be supplemented by fertilizers. You don't really need to worry too much about it. Even desert sands can nourish the cacti.

most important thing it also depends up on the areas and even the climatic conditions...

Posted By mama bear on 7/20/2009 21:31
All types of soil will nourish plants. Whatever it lacks in terms of nutrients can be supplemented by fertilizers. You don't really need to worry too much about it. Even desert sands can nourish the cacti.

Looks like I really don't have to worry too much on garden soil. I can have some cactus in my garden now, right? I thought, I still have to study on these type of garden soil. Anyway, thanks for the information.