If you need to improve the condition of the soil in your garden why not try this simple method that has worked for me. It is by no means quick, it is not practical for a large area (you might want to investigate green manures for that) and won't make your garden look very pretty for a season, but it does work. Hey gardeners are patient right?
Dig a hole or a trench in the area you want improved, down to sub-soil level. You will know when you reach this because it changes colour. You might want to break up the soil you take out a little as you are going to use this to fill in as you go.
Use the trench or hole to deposit all your kitchen waste and believe me even in a household of one that can be considerable. As you fill a layer simply cover with some loose soil and start another layer. In due course it will go in one end of a worm and come out the other transformed into healthy compost which will improve your soil. Nothing goes to waste although avoid using onion, garlic and citric fruit bits as the worms don't like them much.
I used this over one winter and by Spring the ground was fit for planting annuals. Obviously poorer soil will take longer, the worms need time to find out there is a new food source on the block after all.
Obviously this can only be used before you put in precious plants but by that time you will be hooked and will have invested in a wormery or created your own compost heap.
Happy gardening.
