Preparing for a Spring Garden

Anytime when the soil is not frozen, or when it is not too wet, it can be prepared. The structure of some soils can be ruined by digging or plowing when it is muddy, and it will be turned into hard, unmanageable clumps when it dries. This is particularly true of heavy clay soils.

Probably the best way to improve poor soil, whether heavy clay or sandy, is by the addition of liberal amounts of organic matter. Two inches of organic matter spread on the surface and dug or plowed into the soil will help separate the particles of tightly compacted clay, and the texture will become more granular. In a poor, sandy soil, organic matter will increase its ability to retain water and nutrients.

Do not expect too much too soon. It often takes several years of cultivation before a poor soil will be in top condition. Well rotted manure, compost, or peal moss are the most common sources of organic matter. However, other materials may be available locally. Aged sawdust ground corncob, or processed sewage are a few of these. A compost pile is generally the most economical means of obtaining organic materials for use in the garden.

During the coming season, weeds, grass clippings, leaves, and many other items can be added together to form a compost heap. It will take at least a year for the compost to be ready, so if you do not have one going, plan on purchasing some organic matter this season.

A soil test is also an aid in establishing a new garden. A proper guide sheet gives directions on how to properly take a soil sample for testing. Tests are run by University Extension Centers. The test will give an indication of how much fertilizer, if any is needed to bring the soil fertility up to a desirable level. It will also determine your soil's pH a measure of its acidity or alkalinity.

Most vegetables prefer a slightly acid soil with a ph range between 6 and 7 if the soils are more acid than this, a test report will also give a recommendation for the amount of limestone necessary to raise the ph to a desirable level. In established gardens where plants have been growing well, a soil test is not necessary every year. However, since a crop of vegetables reduces the basic fertility level a maintenance fertilization will be necessary when the soil is prepared. When the garden is spaded or plowed, a general garden fertilizer such as a 12-12-12 can be applied at a maintenance rate of about six Ibs per 1.000 square feet of garden area.

When the first number of the three numbers listed on the fertilizer is low, slightly more may be needed. For example, about eight Ibs. per 1,000 square feet would be necessary for an 8-24-8. More fertilizer can always be added later, so take care not to add too much when preparing the garden. The early spring garden is often one of the most rewarding for the beginner.

Accessible Gardening: Tips & Techniques by Joan Woy.