- 1). Prepare soil by tilling to a depth of at least 8 to 12 inches to allow roots to branch out and form a solid base for your plants. Remove any rocks, roots or other debris. Good soil should be loose and friable.This allows roots room to stretch to find nutrients and moisture and creates physical support for the plant.
- 2). Test the soil to determine its condition, pH level and nutrient content. Your local cooperative extension office provides soil testing services for a minimal fee. Follow the recommendations on the soil summary to adjust pH and balance nutrients.
- 3). Follow the recommended planting depth for all plants. Some plants require deep planting so that roots have room to develop. This is especially true with large vegetable plants such as corn and tomatoes, and with flower bulbs and tubers. Planting them too shallowly encourages roots to form near the surface of the soil.
- 4). Water plants deeply to moisten the soil to the root level. Shallow watering causes roots to form near the surface of the soil. This results in a weak root system that may not be able to support the weight of the plant or carry sufficient nutrients for plant growth.
- 5). Apply supplemental fertilizer when needed. Some plants, such as tomatoes, are heavy feeders and can deplete the soil of nutrients. Apply water-soluble fertilizer every 10 to 14 days to replace nutrients and encourage both root growth and plant growth. Follow the recommendations on the container.
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