I don't care what the foundering fathers said. If I understood a rash of recent questions, all dirt is not created equal. In fact it seems that lots of people are unhappy with the dirt in their gardens.

Unfortunately, unless we are increasing the organic content, most of our efforts generally make the situation worse. The secret to good dirt is uniformity. You may think that it is lousy but if it is uniform there are many plants that it will make happy.

One recent question suggested that you add sand to clay soil to make it lighter with better water drainage. The last time I tried that it was in a wheelbarrow and I got cement even when I added pebbles by the shovel full. Why not pick plants that can handle clay soils?

Another questioner wanted to add topsoil to make raised beds in an area that was too wet in the spring to get the lawn mower through. My guess is that if water is reaching the surface from under ground, that area will be very wet regardless of what is done. The better solution might be to select plants that handle boggy spring conditions. In today's environment many gardeners are trying to create these conditions.

My advice is that if you have an existing property, your chief garden concern should be weed control because your soil will easily grow most of the plants you want with little amendment. I would say the same for new construction unless ALL the topsoil has been stripped away. If it has try to get some of the original topsoil back.

The other common practice that recent research suggests may be questionable is adding topsoil. A bit earlier I identified uniformity as the goal. When you add foreign topsoil to your existing soil the research suggests that it is almost like putting a wall between what is there and what is added. If you must add topsoil it should be as nearly alike what you have as what you get.

People often question how I can grow anything when they look at my soil. It looks like I have just enough soil to keep the rocks from bumping into each other. In fact it does quite well, and I confound the unbelievers even further when I discredit watering and much fertilization. But that's another sermon.

The one thing that is lacking in most of our soils is organic matter. Add compost as you wish. The secret is to mix it in. Remember that uniformity is the key to success. Make your own compost. Use finely chopped leaves. Add straw laden manure. Use peat moss if necessary. If you are adding green or uncured organic material remember that the decomposition process will rob a bit of nitrogen from the soil.

That's this weeks thoughts from a simple gardener. I know that you can take that several ways but you know what I mean. Why fight what you have? Work with it and nature will work with you. Keep it simple.