When I was studying horticulture, loamy soil was flagged up as the most desirable type of soil since it incorporates a perfect mix of sand, silt and clay. So if you're looking for the best plants ...

Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost over the area you intend to plant. Mix the compost into the soil as deeply as possible. Then install new plants into the amended soil.

Watering your grass involves a little more than monitoring the weather and following a schedule. Knowing your soil type is ...