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Soils of the Okanagan Region are characterized as mineral in type. This means that they tend to have low organic matter content. Whether your soil is sand, silt or clay it will benefit from the addition of organic matter.

Before you begin planting it is important to amend the soil. Soil containing organic matter can retain more water and make the water more available to plants. Since plants with healthy and deep extensive roots are better adapted to withstand drought stress, it is important that the organics be dug deep into the soil. The best soil amendments are aged manure and compost. Most cities and municipalities produce a screened compost material for sale. Other forms of Organic Matter are aged bark and wood chips: these require the application of nitrogen fertilizer.