How to Use Loam Soil

Overview

Loam is a rich, crumbly soil that combines equal parts sand, silt and clay. Loam is the best soil for a garden because it combines moisture-retentive properties of clay and the fluffy aeration of sand. Loamy soil holds water and nutrients that plants need to thrive, while allowing air to get to the roots and speeding root development. Compost is a good example of loam that can be amended into a garden to improve soil quality.

Step 1

Break up your soil to a depth of 12 inches using a spade, shovel, garden fork or tiller.

Step 2

Fill a wheelbarrow with compost and move it to your garden.

Step 3

Transfer compost in piles from your wheelbarrow to your garden using a shovel.

Step 4

Spread the compost with your rake so that it covers the garden soil to a depth of 4 inches.

Step 5

Turn the compost into the garden soil to a depth of 12 inches.

Step 6

Water your garden deeply with a garden hose so that compost can soak into the soil.