How to Transplant Soil for Seeding for a Vegetable Garden

Overview

Gardeners transplant the native soil in their yard for any number of reasons. Sometimes the soil is nutritionally poor or to basic to support plant growth. Other soils are too sandy or contain too much clay to provide plants with adequate amounts of water. Whatever the native soil's issues are, transplantation is a quick way to solve them. Once you replace the soil, your vegetable garden will produce higher yields and more nutritious vegetables.

Step 1

Remove the top 8 to 10 inches of soil with a shovel. A great way to recycle this soil is to add it to your compost pile (the soil should not compose more than 10 percent of the volume of the pile). When mixed with other compost components, it will turn into nutritious and friable humus that can be added to your garden next year.

Step 2

Replace the soil with commercial garden soil available in bags from any gardening center. Smooth the soil with a rake to make sure it is even with the level of the surrounding soil. Do not compact it.

Step 3

Add a 2-inch layer of aged compost. Most vegetables require highly nutritious soil to produce nutritious vegetables. Be sure the compost is aged (the label will specify), otherwise the high nitrogen content will dehydrate your seedlings and cause their foliage to brown.

Step 4

Use your shovel to mix the compost and the garden soil. Smooth the soil with a rake when you are finished.

Step 5

Water the soil until it is moist (not soaking).