SHREVEPORT, La. – As spring blooms across Louisiana, many home gardeners are eager to get their hands in the dirt. But before rushing to plant those vibrant petunias or hardy marigolds, experts say proper preparation is key to a thriving flower bed.
Mark Wilson of the LSU AgCenter offers essential advice for both new and seasoned gardeners: test your soil first.
“Before planting anything, we recommend a soil test,” Wilson explains. “It helps determine the nutrients your plants will need.”
Once you’ve tested the soil, the next step is aeration. For new beds, tilling is ideal. But if you’re working with an established bed where a tiller won’t fit, a simple garden fork will do the job.
“You just want to loosen the soil and make it easier for roots to grow,” Wilson advises.
Watering and mulching are also crucial. A layer of mulch, four to five inches thick, helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
And if you’re buying soil? Choose wisely.
“For in-ground beds, use garden soil or topsoil,” Wilson recommends. “For containers, go with potting soil—it’s specially blended for that purpose. Don’t mix the two.”