How to Prep Your Soil for Spring Planting

Spring is around the corner—and if you’re dreaming of a blooming backyard or flower farm bursting with dahlias, delphinium and chrysanthemums, now’s the time to get your soil in shape.

At Pure Maiden Farm in Maiden Gully, we’ve learned that good soil is the secret to healthy plants and big, beautiful blooms. Whether you’re starting in garden beds or pots, this guide will walk you through simple soil prep steps every beginner flower grower should follow.

🌿 Why Soil Prep Matters

Healthy soil holds nutrients, drains well, and supports strong root systems. If your flowers are struggling to grow, poor soil is often the hidden cause. With just a bit of preparation, you can give your plants the best start possible.

🔍 Step 1: Test and Observe Your Soil

Start by observing your existing soil:

• Is it compacted or crumbly?

• Does water drain quickly or pool on the surface?

• Are there lots of earthworms or none at all?

If you're unsure, do a simple jar test to identify your soil type (sand, loam, or clay), and consider a pH test kit from your local nursery.

TIP: Learn how to test your soil pH from Gardening Australia here.

💪 Step 2: Clear, Loosen & Weed

Clear away old mulch, spent plants, and weeds from last season. Then use a garden fork or broadfork to gently loosen the top 20–30 cm of soil. This allows air, water, and roots to move more freely.

Avoid over-tilling as it can disturb soil structure and microbes.

🌾 Step 3: Add Organic Matter

This is where the magic happens. Add:

• Compost (well-rotted)

• Aged cow or sheep manure

• Worm castings (optional but amazing)

Spread 3–5 cm of organic matter across your bed and gently rake it in. This improves drainage, texture, and fertility.

🍂 Step 4: Add Soil Amendments (If Needed)

Depending on your test results and crop, you may want to add:

• Blood & bone or pelletised chicken manure for nitrogen

• Dolomite lime if your pH is too low (acidic)

• Rock dust for trace minerals

Let the soil settle for 1–2 weeks before planting, especially if using fresh manure.

🌸 Step 5: Mulch & Water

If you're not planting immediately, mulch the area with straw or sugarcane to prevent weed growth and moisture loss.

Water lightly to activate microbial activity and help your soil "wake up" after winter.

✅ Flowers That Love Prepped Soil in Spring:

• Dahlias (from tubers)

• Chrysanthemums (from cuttings)

• Lisianthus (from seedlings)

• Cosmos, zinnias, and more

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🌼 Ready to Plant? Don’t Miss Our Dahlia Tuber Sale!

Our 2025 dahlia tuber sale is now live! We’ve spent years sourcing rare, productive, and stunning varieties perfect for backyard gardeners and flower farmers alike.👉 Browse our dahlia tubers here

Quantities are limited—and we begin shipping in early October, just in time for planting.

Final Thoughts

Soil is the foundation of every flower, and giving it just a bit of love now will reward you with strong stems, vibrant blooms, and fewer pest problems later.