Step 1: Prepare the Soil

Roger Cook rototills the soil
Photo: Keller & Keller
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Loosen the top 6 to 8 inches of soil with a rototiller. Spread 2 inches of finished compost (this may be available for free if your town has a municipal compost center). Add 2 to 3 inches of sand to claylike soil to improve drainage. Till in amendments. Then, based on the results from your soil test, use a spreader to lay down the appropriate starter fertilizer, and then lime if needed.
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    More in Yard & Garden

    Tools List

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    • Gas powered sod cutter
      Sod cutter
    • soil-testing kit
      Soil-testing kit
    • rototiller
      Rototiller
    • wheelbarrow
      Wheelbarrow
    • walk-behind spreader
      Spreader
    • iron rake
      Iron rake
    • sod-cutting knife
      Sod-cutting knife

    Shopping List

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    1. Sod

    2. Compost

    3. Sand (if needed)4. Starter fertilizer

    5. Lime (if needed)