For gardeners the smell of spring brings the excitement of getting outside, tilling the earth and getting the garden ready for planting. But hold on to that thought a minute. You want to be certain the weather is really peaked for getting your garden ready. First you want to be sure all chance of frost is past. Next you want to wait for the soil to warm up and dry out sufficiently for good root growth.
Too Wet or Dry
Here's a quick way to test if your soil has the best moisture level for planting. Grab a full handful of soil and squeeze it tightly in your fist. It should form a ball, push on the ball with your other hand. If it turns to dust it is too dry. If it doesn't crumble it is still too wet.
Every time you plant your garden important nutrients are taken from the soil. Some are returned, but others are lost forever unless you put them back. While you are waiting to plant your garden, you should have your soil tested to determine what amendments you should add for the best growing medium. You can usually get the tests done, for a reasonable fee, at a local greenhouse or agricultural cooperative extension.
Basic Fertilizing Tips
Here is a good mix to add to your garden plot to help get it in top shape for the growing season. Put about an inch of fresh loam and about 2-3 inches of compost on top of your garden area. Now add a 10-10-10 fertilizer (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium), this is a standard fertilizer available at most home and garden stores. Till this all into your soil evenly. Oh, and remove weed roots that you come across as you do this. The combination of organic material, fertilizer, tilling, and weeding will make a healthy garden plot for your plants.
Drainage
This is a good time to notice where there is a lack of good drainage. Where does water pool in your garden plot? You can fix those areas by putting a few small rocks deeper than your estimated root line, or you could add a drainage ditch. As you know too much water will cause your roots to rot. One more thing, when you come across earthworms treat them nicely, they are good for keeping your soil loose and aerated.
Getting Grounded
Without a doubt good soil is one of the most important elements to a good harvest. So the work that you put into preparing and keeping your garden soil in the best possible condition does pay off. Keep the soil moisture (remember crumbly texture) and nutrients in check and you will have a garden that grows very well and gives you a lot of vegetables.
Watering
When it comes time to water your garden, after you set out your seeds and seedlings, remember to gently water. A slow steady shower is best. You won't make puddles that can hurt the plant roots. You will see where to add water and where there is enough.
Summary
Keep a garden diary for every growing season. Note what you did this season and the results. Over time you will develop that green thumb all gardeners aspire too. But it takes practice and time to develop, don't be impatient with yourself. Soon you will be able to recognize good soil from bad, and know how to fix it when it needs fixing.
Too Wet or Dry
Here's a quick way to test if your soil has the best moisture level for planting. Grab a full handful of soil and squeeze it tightly in your fist. It should form a ball, push on the ball with your other hand. If it turns to dust it is too dry. If it doesn't crumble it is still too wet.
Every time you plant your garden important nutrients are taken from the soil. Some are returned, but others are lost forever unless you put them back. While you are waiting to plant your garden, you should have your soil tested to determine what amendments you should add for the best growing medium. You can usually get the tests done, for a reasonable fee, at a local greenhouse or agricultural cooperative extension.
Basic Fertilizing Tips
Here is a good mix to add to your garden plot to help get it in top shape for the growing season. Put about an inch of fresh loam and about 2-3 inches of compost on top of your garden area. Now add a 10-10-10 fertilizer (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium), this is a standard fertilizer available at most home and garden stores. Till this all into your soil evenly. Oh, and remove weed roots that you come across as you do this. The combination of organic material, fertilizer, tilling, and weeding will make a healthy garden plot for your plants.
Drainage
This is a good time to notice where there is a lack of good drainage. Where does water pool in your garden plot? You can fix those areas by putting a few small rocks deeper than your estimated root line, or you could add a drainage ditch. As you know too much water will cause your roots to rot. One more thing, when you come across earthworms treat them nicely, they are good for keeping your soil loose and aerated.
Getting Grounded
Without a doubt good soil is one of the most important elements to a good harvest. So the work that you put into preparing and keeping your garden soil in the best possible condition does pay off. Keep the soil moisture (remember crumbly texture) and nutrients in check and you will have a garden that grows very well and gives you a lot of vegetables.
Watering
When it comes time to water your garden, after you set out your seeds and seedlings, remember to gently water. A slow steady shower is best. You won't make puddles that can hurt the plant roots. You will see where to add water and where there is enough.
Summary
Keep a garden diary for every growing season. Note what you did this season and the results. Over time you will develop that green thumb all gardeners aspire too. But it takes practice and time to develop, don't be impatient with yourself. Soon you will be able to recognize good soil from bad, and know how to fix it when it needs fixing.
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