Answer to Question 1To prepare a heavy, clayey garden soil, plow in the fall of the year to allow the soil to be
planted earlier in the spring because plowed soil dries more quickly than soil left
unplowed. Plow under barnyard manure, crop residue, or leaves to add organic matter
to the soil. For sandy soil, planted with a fall cover crop such as rye or vetch to grow
green manure and then plowed in early spring. Sandy soils require a high level of organic
matter to assist in holding moisture and plant food.
Answer to Question 2The term broadcasting fertilizer means spreading fertilizer evenly over the entire soil
surface and then mixing half the amount into the soil before planting. Side-dressing
means placing fertilizer on the top of the soil around each plant; this is done later in the
season once the plants are established.