How to Revitalize Garden Soil for Planting
- 1). Test your soil with a kit to learn its pH and find out what other supplements your soil needs. Get the kit from a local nursery, home goods store or university extension.
- 2). Spread manure, which is rich in potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus, over the soil, using 1 pound per square foot. Work the manure into the soil with a hoe or shovel, mixing it with the top 6 inches.
- 3). Add compost to the garden, about 1 pound per square foot. Work it into the soil the same way you worked the manure into the soil, mixing with the top 6 inches.
- 4). Spread an inch or two of mulch such as straw, wood chips or pine bark over your soil. Work it into the top layer of the soil.