How to prepare soil for 1st run gardens (flowers and veggies) Illinois zone 5?

I just moved to a house and finally have a backyard to grow plants in. How can I prepare the soil for plants (flowers and a veggie garden) this year? I bought Miriacle grow topsoil. Was that a good idea? what about borders? Any advioce for a rookie grower would be appreciated. Any advice on flowering plants? Thanks

How to prepare soil for 1st run gardens (flowers and veggies) Illinois zone 5?
The first thing you should do is till up the ground. You should work up the ground 6" to 12" deep. If the ground is a dark color you don't need to add top soil but if it is red or brown then add your top soil %26amp; till it again about 4" to 6" deep. I just found a new product that I fell in love with (new to me). The manufacture is Daniels %26amp; it is a completely organic fertilizer. I'm switching from Miracle Grow. If you can take the top soil back %26amp; get something like Expert %26amp; Scott's then you will get more for your money. I also like potting soil mixed in with my soil. If it is full of rocks or thick clay then you should add some sand to it. You can save money by getting it out of a water stream. Add any grass clippings, leaves, or other dead yard debris to keep the soil healthy.





Good luck with your new garden.





If I knew what you liked for plants I would try to help there also.
Reply:topsoil a waste of money, get you some peat moss, alittle rototiller is a great mothers day gift for you, if not, a pitch fork and rake, make sure to mix it in with your garden dirt and break up the clumps until smooth like a cake mix, plan on where your going to put thing and start digging, just don't bury your plants underground, LOL, put 4 fingers from both hands in center on roots and pull gently to separate roots a little at bottom and plants, then what I do is get miracle grow and watch the fun begin, Hey, and they don't talk back!
Reply:http://spectre.nmsu.edu:591/MasterGarden...





When buying a fertilizer you will see 3 numbers 10-6-4 (for example)





The first is Nitrogen, the second is Phosphorate, the third is Potassium.





For flowering plants, you need phosphorates. For root growth, Potassium, Nitrogen is to help in taking up nutrients.





The best fertilizers are organic compost, either made yourself or you can buy it. I would also add peat moss, (unless specifically stated not to use like in Bell Peppers.





Do not over fertilizer with a store bought fertilizer because of "salt" that will kill plants.





For my veg garden I used a small amt of composted steer manure, organic compost and garden soil.





Just read the label on your miracle grow. Normally, I do not use topsoil or potting soil because of the lack of nutrients.





If you have any questions, contact your local cooperative extention of the Master Garders at your univ. or college. They will help you for free with plants, soil, irrigation, and pests. (for free). You can also take in your plants if they need evaluated.