Winter planting

We're back! And brrrrr it's cold. Now would be a good time to think ahead to future planting in your garden! And what better way to plan ahead then to get to know the very soil you will be planting in?

Do you know much about the condition of the soil in your garden? If not, get out there and feel the soil in your fingers! This is a great way to discover its structure. It may feel heavy and wet, which means it has a high proportion of clay within. If it is light and dry, it will have a higher content of sand. Somewhere between the two is the perfect balance, and it is known as "loam". You can also obtain a pH testing kit for a reasonable price to find out about the acidity or alkalinity of your soil.

When planning ahead, purchasing plants is far easier when you know about the pH level and condition of your soil. You can buy plants suited to the growing conditions in your own garden. You can also regularly add bulky organic matter to your soil to improve its condition - try digging in compost or well-rotted manure, or mulching with leafmould.

Plants can drown in heavy clay or dry out in free-draining sand, so get to know your soil today and then plan your year ahead in your garden! Olive Tree Gardens are happy to give you further advice about your soil to help you to create the garden of your dreams.

If you need any gardening services, Olive Tree Gardens would be happy to help. We are your local gardeners based in St Albans. We serve Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, including St Albans, Harpenden, Letchworth Garden City, Luton, Dunstable, Borehamwood, Hitchin and Wheathampstead.