When to work your Soil in the spring

When to Work Soil for Spring Planting??  Patience is a virtue.

As soon as the first buds begin to appear after a long brutal winter like the one we just had, gardeners everywhere begin to think about soil preparation and spring planting. Spring may be in the air, but it is still too early to begin working the soil. Working the soil too soon causes more damage than good in the garden.

I am more anxious than anyone for Spring to arrive here in Eastchester.  Brenda and I are already dreaming of all the fresh cool weather veggies we will plant.  However, timing and patience is critical.  Preparing the soil for spring planting is one of the first tasks after the snow melts, but working the soil before it is ready is a big mistake. Wet soil, (snow drenched), compacts easily breaking down the soil structure and causing lasting damage. Once compacted, it can take two years of working to return the soil to a healthy consistency. Plants love loose, rich soil. Compacted, heavy soils slow plant growth.

Test soil consistency before doing anything!

Test the soil consistency in the spring after the ground begins to thaw.  Scoop up a handful of soil from the garden bed. Make a loose ball -- about the size of a tennis ball -- by rolling it between your hands. If the soil ball forms a dense ball, the soil is still to wet to work. When the soil is ready, a ball will crumble between your hands.  Everyone's garden soil will be ready at a slightly different time, I will let you know when mine is ready!