Before you start putting your plants into the ground, you might want to check on your soil. Successful plantings require a soil structure consisting of approximately 50% solids, 25% pore space for air, and 25% pore space for moisture. While this may be common in undisturbed forest areas, it is not the general rule for homeowners today, whose topsoil has often been stripped away. Many homeowners have heavy clay soils, which lack adequate pore space for air and can lead to poor drainage, reduced root growth, and greater susceptibility to environmental stress. Others have dry sandy soils, which lack adequate pore space for water which can lead to excessive drainage, as well as a loss of nutrients from the root zone. So what is a gardener to do? Espoma's Soil Perfector to the rescue! One application of Espoma Soil Perfector permanently improves the structure of any soil. Soil Perfector is made from a naturally derived, ceramic mineral that is kiln-fired at temperatures in excess of 2000° F. This process creates a durable, lightweight granule containing thousands of tiny storage spaces that hold the perfect balance of water, air and nutrients for an improved soil structure. Preparing Flower & Vegetable BedsOne 27 pound bag will cover 10 square feet. Spread a 1" layer of Soil Perfector across the entire bed (use a 2" layer for severely compacted soils) and then work it into the top 6 inches of soil with a shovel, rake or rototiller. New Individual PlantsDig a hole at least twice the diameter and slightly less deep than the root ball of the plant. Mix 1 part Soil Perfector to 3 parts removed soil. Follow planting directions and water thoroughly. Using a spading fork around the drip line of the plant, rock and twist the fork to open cracks and crevices as deeply as possible. Fill the cracks with Soil Perfector. For large trees, dig narrow trenches 18 to 24 inches deep starting between the trunk and the drip line and extending out into the surrounding soil. Dig at least 5 trenches in a wheel spoke pattern and fill the trenches with Soil Perfector.