Summer Soil Care — How to Prep Your Garden Beds for Success in Central Indiana

Get the most from your summer garden by starting with healthy, well-prepared soil. Here’s how to revive your beds and improve performance with products from McCarty Mulch & Stone.

🌾 Why Soil Preparation is Crucial During Indiana Summers

Summer in Indiana is no joke—our region’s heavy clay soil, high temperatures, and inconsistent rainfall can take a serious toll on your garden. Poorly prepared soil leads to stunted growth, yellowing plants, and constant watering struggles. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or shrubs, prepping your soil now can lead to healthier, more drought-tolerant plants that thrive throughout the season.

🔧 How to Prep Your Soil for Summer Gardening Success

1. Break Up Compacted Soil

Over time, Central Indiana soil becomes dense and compacted, especially after spring rains and foot traffic. Use a shovel or tiller to loosen the top 6–8 inches of soil to promote better airflow, root penetration, and water absorption. This step is crucial for encouraging strong root systems and preventing runoff during heavy summer storms. If you’re planting in an existing bed, be careful not to disturb established roots—just gently aerate the soil around them.

2. Enrich with Organic Matter

Once your soil is loosened, mix in high-quality fertilizer or a nutrient-rich blended soil. McCarty Mulch & Stone offers compost and planting soil that helps replenish nutrients depleted from previous growing seasons. This organic matter improves soil texture, boosts microbial activity, and helps the soil retain water longer—key for reducing stress during hot and dry periods. For vegetable gardens, this step can drastically increase your harvest yield and plant vitality.

3. Level and Grade for Proper Drainage

Before mulching, take the time to level out your beds and make sure there’s a gentle slope away from your home’s foundation. Good drainage prevents root rot and makes it easier for plants to absorb moisture efficiently. Use a rake to smooth the surface and remove any large clumps or debris. If needed, consider incorporating sand or gravel into heavy clay areas to improve structure.

4. Apply Mulch to Maintain Soil Temperature and Moisture

Top off your soil with 2–3 inches of mulch—preferably natural hardwood mulch or color-enhanced mulch. Mulch helps regulate soil temperatures during scorching days and dramatically reduces moisture loss through evaporation. It also prevents soil crusting, which can block water from reaching roots. With mulch in place, you’ll spend less time watering and weeding, and more time enjoying your garden.

5. Edge Beds to Prevent Erosion and Runoff

Adding edging around your beds can keep soil and mulch from spilling into your lawn or walkways during summer rains. McCarty offers a full selection of landscape edging materials that pair well with mulch and soil. Edging also creates a crisp, clean visual line that makes your landscape look polished and professional. It’s a small detail with a big visual and functional impact.

🌟 FAQs: Summer Soil and Mulch Prep in Central Indiana

Q1: Can I plant right after amending the soil with compost?
Yes! As long as your compost is fully cured and blended into the existing soil, you can plant immediately. McCarty’s compost is high-quality and ready to use, so there’s no waiting period.

Q2: How often should I reapply mulch in the summer?
A fresh layer in late spring or early summer usually lasts the season, but monitor depth and top off any thinning areas. Reapplying 1–2 inches mid-season can help maintain moisture retention and appearance.

Q3: What kind of mulch is best for vegetable gardens?
Natural hardwood mulch or cedar mulch are great choices. They break down into the soil, enriching it while providing excellent weed control and insulation.

Q4: How can I improve clay-heavy soil?
Add organic material such as compost or planting mix, and avoid walking on the soil when wet to reduce compaction. Our bulk planting soil is specifically formulated for Indiana’s challenging conditions.

Q5: Should I use landscape fabric under mulch?
In most cases, no. Fabric can prevent water from penetrating and stop organic mulch from enriching the soil over time. It’s better to use a thick mulch layer for weed suppression.

Q6: How do I know if my soil needs amending?
If it’s compacted, drains poorly, or you notice poor plant growth, it likely needs amendment. A simple shovel test—digging down 6–8 inches to examine moisture and texture—can tell you a lot.

🏆 Why McCarty Mulch & Stone?

✅ Locally made, eco-friendly compost and soil blends
✅ Bulk pricing with local delivery or easy pickup
✅ Family-owned, trusted by homeowners and landscapers across Central Indiana
✅ Expert advice and personalized service

👉 Shop bulk soil, compost, and bulk mulch today at https://www.landscapemulch.com/ or visit us at: 100 Bluffdale Dr., Greenwood, IN 46142