Spring is fast approaching and many people are making plans to grow a vegetable garden. It’s time to prepare your garden for spring!
The high price of groceries and several other factors have made the need to grow your own food a priority. Learning a few simple steps to create fertile soil will enable you to grow a little, or a lot, of your own food.
Use the soil preparation tips and prepare your garden for spring.
Select a Location
Garden plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. A location in full sun will be best for all plants. A location near a water source will also make watering plants easier for you.
After selecting the location, test the soil.
Soil Test
The test results will let you know what add to the garden soil to make it as fertile as possible.
A soil testing kit can be purchased online or from a local garden supply
Compost should always be added to garden soil.
It will add nutrients to the soil, prevent soil compaction, help retain water while promoting good drainage and provide instant, organic food for healthier, more productive garden plants.
Compost
Apply 4 inches of compost on top of the garden soil and work into the soil to a depth of 6 inches (15cm).
It will not only be used while preparing your garden for spring but throughout the growing season as a side dressing, plant food and mulch. So keep plenty of organic compost on hand.
When To Start
As soon as the soil is workable in early spring, till the garden soil.
Test the soil, then add soil amendments and lightly till the soil once again. Allow the freshly tilled garden soil rest for a few days before planting.
Use this time to purchase plants and seeds, and make a plan for a proper garden planting layout.
Run the tiller through the garden soil one last time on planting day to create rows.
Planting Time
Plant your spring garden after all danger of frost has past.
Group plants together that have the same water and sun needs, like tomatoes and beans, but allow enough space between plants for good air circulation.
Don’t plant low growing vegetables, like cabbage, in a spot that will be shaded by taller growing vegetables.
Water all plants and seeds thoroughly after planting.
When the garden plants reach 6 inches (15cm) tall, add a 2 –
As the mulch decomposes, it will add nutrients to the soil to keep plants well fed.
Happy gardening!
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