Preparing the Soil for What Comes Next

On the steep slope of my garden, I decided it was time to make the land productive. The incline had always been awkward, so I built a stone terrace, turning the slope into a level, usable space.

Most of the heavy clay was dug out and replaced with a mixture of gravel and fresh soil, creating a foundation with excellent drainage for deep-rooted plants. I also removed most stubborn root weeds and covered the soil with a layer of grass clippings, which will decompose slowly, retain moisture, and naturally enrich the soil.

This terrace is now a blank canvas, ready for whatever the garden will hold: a patch of Solaris vines or a line of apple trees. Careful preparation ensures that the future harvest - whatever it may be - has the best possible start.

Soil Preparation for Fruit & Vines

Good soil is the secret to a healthy vineyard or orchard. Here’s how I prepared the terrace:

• Deep digging (30–40 cm): Breaks up compacted clay for root growth

• Organic matter: Added well-rotted compost to improve fertility, aeration, and water retention

• Drainage mix: Gravel blended with soil ensures vines or trees won’t sit in water

• pH adjustment: Ideal range for most fruit and Solaris vines is 5.5–7.0

• Mulching: Grass clippings cover the soil to suppress weeds and retain moisture

The combination of these steps creates optimal conditions for either young grapevines or apple trees, giving them a strong foundation for growth and yield.