Soil preparation for spring planting

Soil Preparation for Spring Vegetable Planting

Well here we are in February already and it is time to start thinking of prepping my garden plot for spring planting. Fortunately for me I live in Northern California where I really don’t have to worry about frost or snow but if the rains come I will have muddy grounds but hey, that’s what my rubber boots are for.

This year I am going to redefine my garden borders and planting map because I want to put in raised beds and try my hand for the first time at planting some asparagus. I love asparagus but I’ve always known it to be invasive and in need of plenty of water so I think if I plant it in a raised bed I won’t have asparagus growing all over the place.

I have several packets of vegetable seed that I have started for germination. It usually takes a few weeks before the seedlings pop up so I want my garden soil ready when it’s time to put them in the ground which for most will be mid to late March.

My artichoke plant is coming up nicely again. This will be the fourth year of harvesting beautiful artichokes. Last year the base was about 10 inches round and I am hoping we get giants this year. How great is it that I don’t have to do a thing for them except give them a little fertilizer and water. A big plus this year for my artichokes and the rest of my garden is that the abandoned property behind me is going through some major clearing and as a result I will have a lot more sun.

Because our winters are generally mild I have been able to “play in the dirt” so to speak. I mulched with coconut husks last season so I have been working them into the ground for added nutrients plus I’ve been throwing in a lot of the fallen leaves from the many trees around the yard. With no rain in the forecast, this weekend just may the time to till it all up to break up the big clumps.

I noticed that DIY stores and Nurseries are beginning to get their cool weather vegetables such as Cauliflower, Asparagus, Broccoli and Bean seedlings in stock. There it is! I have even more incentive to get on with soil preparations for spring planting in beds or borders. For a no cost way of getting my materials I have been going around the neighborhood asking family and friends for wood and rocks that I can work into my garden design. I may even have to check out the demolition behind me and see if there are some scraps I can use in my garden from there.

So here’s my checklist:

Garden tools cleaned and sharpened

1 - My own drawing of how I want my garden to look (No, I am not an artist of any kind)

2 - Till the ground for in ground vegetables

3 - Add soil amend and chicken manure while tilling

4 - Set borders for in ground vegetables

5 - Plant early cool weather veggies

6 - Add at least 2 inches of mulch around vegetables

7 - Make boxes from free wood and rocks for raised beds

8 - Shovel in dirt mixed with soil amends and manure

9 – Plant warm weather vegetables

10 – Put at least 2 inches of mulch around vegetables

Water regularly, keep weeds to a minimum then enjoy a healthy organic harvest.

Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? It really is but it is also time consuming and labor intensive for one woman alone. I’m not complaining though. As a caregiver for my Mother who is a bilateral amputee, it gives me great pleasure and peace of mind to get out of the house and work the garden. And of course I accept all the help that is offered. My family, friends and neighbors are already lining up as they know with a little help they too will get to reap the rewards of eating tasty, nutritious vegetables.