We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

The last point may surprise you...

Healthy soil means healthy plants, but do you know which gardening habits could be negatively affecting your soil? From excessive digging to adding fertiliser, some of our good intentions may not actually do much good.

To celebrate World Soil Day (Sunday 5th December), J. Parker's is encouraging green-fingered gardeners to get their soil in excellent condition. The cold winter temperatures may mean many of us neglect our gardens, but it pays to be attentive to the soil.

'We speak to so many people who want to get the most out of their soil and ensure they're giving their plants the best environment,' says Shannen Godwin, growing expert at J. Parker's.

'In actual fact, it can often be that people are doing too much to try and improve their soil. The secret, in many cases, is that doing less could be better for your soil and will reduce the hard work too!'

Take a look at the surprising mistakes you may be making...

Soil is one of the most wonderful things in nature, but we should be careful not to walk on it after rainfall. According to Shannen, when you walk on wet lawns or garden beds, you can end up compacting the soil underneath — making it harder for roots to grow and thrive.

'This can be especially true in areas of clay soil. So, try to wait a few days after rainfall for the soil to dry before standing on it,' adds Shannen.

While many gardeners use sand to loosen their soil, it can often worsen the soil as it turns to cement. Instead of reaching for sand, Shannen recommends adding organic matter such as grass cuttings and shredded leaves that break the soil particles up. You'll have healthy soil in no time.

Many vegetable gardeners swear by the benefits of manure as a fertiliser, however it can actually damage your soil and plants as it contains high levels of chemicals which can burn plant roots.

'Manure is indeed good for the roses, but choose composted or aged manure that is at least six months old,' says Shannen. 'This can help to increase nutrients and soil texture without running the risk of harming your plants.'

No-dig gardening is a simple method of cultivation that aims for minimal disturbance of the soil — and is one of the best approaches to keep soil looking healthy. If you want to keep your garden in ship shape, it's best to avoid digging or tiling the soil as this will disturb the established structure that has already formed.

Shannen suggests to opt for top dressing your plants with compost (as well as organic matter and aged manure) and try to minimise digging to less than six inches deep. Wonderfully, this will focus on topping up the soil with more nutrient-rich compost, rather than over-digging.

'The first response to poor soil is to add fertiliser,' says Shannen. 'However, adding fertiliser can be damaging unless you know what nutrients your soil needs. If you add fertiliser without knowing what condition your soil is in, then you risk upsetting the balance and adding too much of the same nutrient, and when this overload happens, plants can struggle.'

Fertilisers are used to improve plant growth, but it's important to conduct a soil test first. Shannen explains: 'This will give you a pH reading between 0-14. A score in the lower end means your soil is too acidic; in the higher number means your soil is too alkaline, then you can find the right fertiliser for the soil’s needs.'

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

Treat your gardening-loving friend to this wonderful RHS gift set. Small enough to fit through the letterbox, it includes a pair of gardening gloves and a handy set of wooden plant labels. 

These easy-to-use seedboms biodegrade into the environment leaving only plants behind. The ultimate stocking filler, each pack contains Cornflowers, Vipers Bugloss, Wild Marjoram, Red Clover, Borage & Phacelia.

SEE MORE: 6 steps to sowing wildflower seeds in your garden

Gloves are a must-have for gardeners. With a sweet bird print and ultra-soft fell palms, this Burgon & Ball style is perfect for all. 

Surprise plant parents with this houseplant care gift set. Featuring plant food, tonic and care mist, it has all the essential nutrients to help keep plants happy and healthy.  

Presented in a lovely box, this Sophie Conran trowel makes the perfect gift for your garden-loving friend. 

Make a friend or family member smile with this lovely personalised state plant marker. 

Have you ever seen a more beautiful plant pot? These even come with their own bulbs, so expect Delft Blue Hyacinth to blossom next spring.

Keep tools and accessories neatly stored away with this stylish gardening bag. Designed by Sophie Conran, it's water resistant, wipe clean and has practical restraining straps to keep your items safe. 

Gardening is often tough on the hands, so it's important for regular gardeners to look after their skin. Trust us, this hand cream will go down a treat...

Dry up dishes in style with Emma Bridgewater's tea towel featuring everything you might find in a potting shed. 

Formed from earthenware and finished with a glaze, this watering can is a must-have for avid gardeners. 

Encourage bees into the garden with this affordable bee house. Designed to imitate honeycomb's hexagonal shapes, it's the perfect nesting site. 

This practical canvas kneeler is a must-have for every gardening aficionado. Its long handle makes it incredible practical to hang in a shed or garage after use. 

Get personal with your gift ideas and give something printed with your own message. These ceramic planters make excellent presents.

A book is always a good idea. Wild at Home is a great title to gift plant and garden lovers alike. 

Every gardener needs a practical hand fork. Tidy up flower beds and borders with this three-pronged hand tool from Garden Trading.

Keep succulents and small cacti in this sweet llama-shaped ceramic planter. 

Bring a smile to your friend's face with this peace lily in a soft grey pot. With dark green foliage and long-lasting white flowers, it's a beautiful way to brighten any room. 

With a gardening tools design, this gorgeous mug is a brilliant gift for every garden  lover.  

Learning new skills are always exciting. This experience gift will give guests the chance to professionally learn how to grow their own chillis at home.

This enamel tin is an incredibly stylish way to store bird seeds. We're certain it will make a well-received gift. 

This gift box will give your gardening friends a step in the right direction to help care for any small garden birds.  

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.