Written by Shannon Landscaping - November 15, 2022

Both vegetable and flower gardens will be much

more productive next year with the addition of or-

ganic soil amendments this fall. The idea behind or-

ganic amendments is to improve soil structure so

that plant roots get more of the air, water and nutri-

ents they need for healthy growth. Before amend-

ments can be made, however, it’s necessary to clear

planting beds of any unwanted items.

Cleaning up

Spent vegetable plants and annuals should be re-

moved and added to the compost pile. Leaves,

sticks, and other organic debris should also be re-

moved. Since perennials will come back next year,

they can stay put. But if they’re due for dividing, this

is the time for it. By dividing spring and summer

blooming perennials every three to five year in the

fall, plant size can be controlled and the number of

perennials can be increased. Periodic division will

rejuvenate perennials as well.

Adding the amendments

There are several types of organic amendments that

can improve soil structure for better vegetable and

flower growth. Sphagnum peat moss, finished

homemade compost and well-aged cow manure are

all good choices. The best way to incorporate or-

ganic amendments is to spread out 3” to 4” over the

entire planting area, then till it into the top 8” to 10”

of soil. In perennial beds, it will be necessary to

work around the existing plants, but the same

amount of amendments should be used. Right now

is a great time for organic amendments, since soil

tends to be drier and easier to work with at this

time of year. Whether you’re growing vegetables,

flowers or both, it will be worth the extra effort.

Stop by our garden center to purchase your soil

amendments today and get advice from the

experts.

Adding soil amendments in late Fall

Check out our garden center here.