As the days grow longer and nature begins to stir, spring presents the perfect opportunity to give your garden soil the attention it deserves. Healthy soil is the foundation of every thriving garden—whether you're growing flowers, vegetables, or trees. At Chessington Garden Centre, we’re passionate about helping gardeners of all levels create vibrant, sustainable outdoor spaces, and it all begins beneath your feet.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through expert tips on how to improve your soil health this spring, from identifying your soil type to enriching it with organic matter and encouraging beneficial life below the surface.
Why Soil Health Matters
Healthy soil supports strong root growth, retains water more effectively, improves plant resilience, and promotes biodiversity. Poor soil, on the other hand, can lead to nutrient deficiencies, poor drainage, and stunted growth. By investing time in your soil now, you’ll set your garden up for success throughout the growing season.
Understand Your Soil Type
Before making changes, it's important to understand what kind of soil you’re working with. In the UK, most gardens will have one of the following:
Clay Soil
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Heavy and slow to drain
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Nutrient-rich but can become compacted
Sandy Soil
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Free-draining but poor at retaining nutrients
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Warms up quickly in spring
Loamy Soil
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Ideal mix of clay, sand, and silt
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Holds moisture well and drains efficiently
You can perform a simple soil test at home using a jar and water or pick up a pH and texture test kit from our garden centre to get a better understanding of your garden's unique conditions.
Step-by-Step: Improving Your Soil This Spring
1. Clear Debris and Loosen the Soil
Start by removing weeds, leftover mulch, and dead plant material from your beds. Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil, breaking up compacted areas to allow for better root penetration and airflow.
Tip: Avoid digging when the soil is too wet—if it clumps in your hand and doesn't crumble, wait a few days.
2. Add Organic Matter
Organic matter is the secret ingredient to soil health. Compost, well-rotted manure, and leaf mould all help improve soil structure, increase fertility, and encourage beneficial organisms.
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For clay soil: Organic matter lightens and aerates.
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For sandy soil: It boosts water and nutrient retention.
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For loam: Helps maintain ideal conditions over time.
We recommend adding a 5–10cm layer of organic matter and gently mixing it into the topsoil. Our range of composts and soil improvers at Chessington Garden Centre are ideal for this job.
3. Use Mulch to Protect and Nourish
Mulching isn't just for summer. In spring, applying a layer of organic mulch—such as bark chips, straw, or compost—can help regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.
It also gradually breaks down and feeds the soil. Apply around 5cm across your beds, keeping it away from direct contact with stems to prevent rot.
4. Encourage Earthworms and Microbial Life
Healthy soil is alive with earthworms, fungi, and beneficial bacteria that help break down organic material and make nutrients more accessible to plants.
Avoid chemical-heavy fertilisers or pesticides that might harm these soil allies. Instead, opt for:
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Slow-release, organic fertilisers
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Mycorrhizal fungi products (especially helpful when planting shrubs and trees)
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Worm-friendly composting practices
5. Consider Green Manures
If you have bare patches of soil or raised beds not currently in use, sowing green manures like clover, vetch, or rye can be a game-changer. These fast-growing plants protect the soil, suppress weeds, and when dug in later, add organic matter and nutrients.
6. Test and Adjust pH Levels
Spring is also a great time to check your soil's pH. Most plants prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is too acidic (below 6), adding garden lime can help. If it's too alkaline (above 7.5), incorporate sulphur or ericaceous compost for acid-loving plants like rhododendrons and blueberries.
Pop into Chessington Garden Centre for soil testing kits and tailored advice based on your results.
Soil-Boosting Products We Recommend
To help you on your way, here are a few tried-and-tested soil improvers available at Chessington Garden Centre this spring:
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Westland Farmyard Manure – Ideal for digging into vegetable beds and borders
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Melcourt Bark Mulch – A long-lasting mulch perfect for beds and around trees
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Levington Organic Blend Soil Conditioner – Improves structure and nutrient content
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Rootgrow Mycorrhizal Fungi – Enhances root development and nutrient uptake
Our team is always on hand to help you choose the right products for your garden’s needs.
Final Thoughts
Healthy soil is the beating heart of your garden. By dedicating a little time this spring to improving its condition, you’ll see stronger growth, better blooms, and a more resilient garden throughout the seasons.
Visit Chessington Garden Centre for all your composts, mulches, tools, and expert advice. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a springtime starter, we’re here to help your garden thrive from the ground up.
