How to Improve the Soil for a Flowerbed

Well-drained, rich soil is ideal for most flowering plants, and gardeners can provide it by adding organic matter to the flowerbed. Plants need water and air around their roots to thrive, but too much of either of these can be harmful. Organic matter helps supply water and air in sufficient amounts. It improves drainage and adds air to clay soils, and increases moisture retention in sandy soils. Organic matter also feeds earthworms and other beneficial creatures in the soil, and forms nutrients as it breaks down. To encourage prolific blooms, add fertilizers that contain phosphorus in the same or a greater amount than nitrogen, because nitrogen feeds plants' green leafy growth but phosphorus promotes flowering.

1. Dig over the flowerbed site with a spade or garden fork to a depth of 8 to 10 inches, on a dry day in fall. Remove all rocks, plants and their roots, and other debris, and break up dirt clods.

2. Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of garden compost, well-rotted manure, leaf mold or other weed-free organic matter over the bed, and mix it into the top 6 inches of soil.

3. Apply a fertilizer that promotes flowering, such as a ready-to-use, slow-release, 10-16-10 product at a rate of 1 tablespoon per square foot, or according to the manufacturer's instructions, immediately before planting in your flowerbed.