within a week although you should allow two. Your extension service can help you interpret the results. Good soil is subjective. Many plants can thrive in non-ideal soils but many more cannot. Now that you have a complete picture of your planting environment (soil, light, water, climate) you may proceed to choose the right plants for that area. If the plants you wish to grow, or have already planted, require nutritious, loamy soil, you may have to amend your soil. You can improve both sand and clay soils by adding compost. Use several annual applications of two inches of compost in already planted beds and lawns. You may add up to six inches in new planting areas that have no vegetation. Just lay the compost on top of your sandy soil and let nature and your planting activities pull it in. For clay soils, work the compost in with a hoe, cultivator or small tiller. According to the 2009 Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Handbook (available at your county extension office or online), compost improves soil fertility, structure, texture and water-holding capacity. It helps create a healthy environment for important fungi, soil microorganisms and beneficial soil creatures as well as for plant roots. s
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