A shovel should slide into healthy soil with satisfying ease. When the blade bounces back like it just struck concrete, the ground sends a very clear message: the soil needs help. Compacted soil stops ...

You don't need an aerator to fix brown patches on your lawn.

For the fastest way to join Tom's Guide Club enter your email below. We'll send you a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all the latest news.

Winter precipitation and freezing temperatures compact the soil in our gardens, leaving less room for air and making it a poor environment for growth. When temperatures dip, water in the ground ...