1. Use a shovel or spade with a pointed edge. Using your shovel or spade, dig up the soil (at least 6 inches down) and use the head of the tool to break up compacted clumps. These tools are doubly ...

Dig out trenches to a spade's depth, known as a 'spit', and about 30cm (12in) wide. Place the soil from the first trench on the ground in front and work backwards along the plot, turning the soil ...

Fill up a wheelbarrow with your chosen mulch and spread a 5cm (2in) layer around plants or across the soil with a spade, leaving a little gap around the stems of plants. Rake to a level finish.