As avid gardeners will tell you, the right soil is critical to any gardening project. If yours has too much clay or is filled with rocks, don’t worry. There are ways to improve it.

The first step is to examine your soil. Clay soil is compacted and turns slick when wet. Sandy soil is so loose that it slips right through your fingers. Soil with too much silt has a consistency between clay and sand. The right amount of clay, sand, silt and organic matter makes the best soil.

Then, take action.

Work the soil

Turn the dirt in sections, using a gardening fork or a tiller. Dig down at least a foot and loosen the soil. This should be done before planting and in the fall. Break up large sections of dirt and remove any rocks.

Add Organic Matter

Soil needs organic matter to thrive. Add compost, manure, grass clippings, peat, or shredded leaves to provide a source of nutrients for the soil’s microorganisms and for worms.

Also consider adding humus, which attracts worms and helps plants resist insects and disease.

Soil Testing

As you prepare to plant, remember that the soil is an important consideration. Conduct a soil test, which measures the amount of acid and alkaline in the soil. The scale goes from 1 pH, which is highly acidic, to 14 pH, which is highly alkaline. Most soil falls somewhere in the middle. Ideally, you want soil that has a pH level of 6.2 to 7.2.

If the soil has a lower pH and, thus, has more acid, add lime. If it has a higher pH, and more alkaline, add aluminum sulfate.

Most garden centers have easy-to-use soil testing kits.