Soil Health 101: Preparing Your Beds for a Thriving Garden

A garden is only as good as its soil. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or shrubs, taking time to improve your soil in spring will yield healthier plants all season long.

1. Test Your Soil

Before adding amendments, conduct a soil test to determine pH levels and nutrient content. There are many extension offices throughout the valley that can provide reliable soil testing. 

2. Add Organic Matter

Enrich your soil with compost, aged manure, or worm castings. Organic matter improves drainage, boosts fertility, and enhances soil structure.

3. Avoid Over-Tilling

Tilling can disrupt beneficial microorganisms and lead to soil compaction. Instead, gently loosen the soil with a garden fork and incorporate amendments without excessive disturbance.

4. Use Cover Crops and Mulch

Planting cover crops like clover in the fall can improve soil health by adding nitrogen. In spring, mulching with straw, leaves, or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

5. Rotate Crops in Vegetable Gardens

If you plant the same vegetables in the same spot year after year, nutrient depletion and disease buildup can occur. Rotate crops annually to maintain soil balance.

By prioritizing soil health in the spring, you’ll set the foundation for a productive and sustainable garden.