What to Grow in a Weedy Yard With Compacted Soil

Season

• Prepare the yard for planting in spring, after the ground warms and thaws. Soil is warm and relatively moist at this time, and provides easier digging and weed pulling. Prepping the soil in spring also allows for immediate planting.

Amending Soil

• Amend the soil in the yard for planting. Use a rototiller, garden fork or rake to dig into the soil to a depth of 5 to 6 inches and break it up. Pull and gather all the weeds after this process, and throw them out. Lay 3 to 4 inches of organic compost on top of the soil, and add 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer for vegetables, or 5-10-5 fertilizer for flowers. Turn the amendments into the tilled soil to produce a rich, loose and moist foundation for any plant.

Raised Beds

• Build simple, temporary raised beds if you don't want to work to amend the natural soil. Pull and remove weeds to produce an even, weed-free surface. Lay landscape fabric or cardboard over the natural soil to keep weeds from growing back. Build a new planting foundation with 2 to 3 inches of garden loam and 2 to 3 inches of organic compost. Don't use garden soil for this step, as it may bring weeds and pests with it. Add fertilizer according to your planting plans.

Maintenance

• Maintain your flower or vegetable gardens with regular waterings for good soil moisture. Most flowers and vegetables require 1 to 2 inches of water a week. Pull any weeds that grow up, and use organic mulch to protect soil quality and minimize weed growth. Fertilize both vegetable and flowering plants at mid-season. Re-amend soil or rebuild your foundation at each new planting.