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How to Amend Problem Soils

Garden bed between lawn and fence with bare soil and small plants

Last updated July 18, 2025

It's a fact that expert gardeners know and newbie gardeners learn: successful flower and vegetable gardens begin with your soil. Problem soils can be rocky, sandy, saline, clay-like or compacted, making it hard for plants to grow. Use this guide to find tips for amending problem soil.

Keep in mind that poor soils don’t usually improve after just one addition of organic material. You’ll have better results when you add amendments on a regular basis. Testing your soil annually is a good way to monitor soil health that in turn keeps your plants growing strong.

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Difficulty:

Beginner

Duration:

Under 2 hours

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Table of Contents

  1. How to Amend Rocky Soils

  2. How to Amend Clay Soils

  3. How to Amend Compacted Soils

  4. How to Amend Sandy Soils

  5. How to Amend Saline Soils

  6. What is Soil pH and How Do I Amend It?