Winter snow and early spring rains have helped to ease the pain of last summer's drought. As a result, most of our garden soil is still wet and mucky. Although spring planting of potatoes and other cool season crops is just around the corner, working the garden soil now is not a good idea. The destructive nature of the Rototiller and other activities will destroy the soil structure. Basically, you can turn that good garden dirt into a muddy mess. Here are some tips to help you prepare the soil for spring planting.
Soil is formed from tiny pieces of disintegrated rock. From largest to smallest, these particles are sand, silt and clay. Unfortunately, most of our native soils contain more clay then sand.
The next component is organic matter. It is the result of the decomposition of plants and animals. There is usually less than 5 percent organic matter in most local soils. When decomposition stops, some organic compounds remain and become a stable part of the soil. This material, called humus, is what gives the soil a characteristic grayish-black appearance. The final component of soil is pore space filled with air or water.
Traditionally, gardeners have used spring to work the soil hoping to increase soil drainage, make planting easier and improve the bounty of their crop. Unfortunately, the overzealous use of a Rototiller can do just the opposite. Excessive tilling can break soil fragments and actually decrease internal drainage. Working the soil when it is too wet can cause clay particles to bind, resulting in a cloddy hard soil. And tilling too often can cause a hard pan to form just below the soil surface, making it difficult for plant roots to grow deep into the soil.
The single best practice a gardener can do to improve soil is add organic matter. Even though organic matter is only a small part of the total mass, it has a profound effect on the soil's physical and chemical properties. It increases the water and nutrient holding capacity. It helps make minerals available for plant use. And, as it accumulates, it binds clay particles into larger aggregates, improving aeration and drainage.
Gardeners can reap the benefits of organic matter by regularly incorporating compost, manure and other organic residues into the soil. As a general rule, apply 50 to 100 pounds of compost per 100 square feet of garden area each year. Annual manure applications should be limited to 25 to 50 pounds per 100 square feet.
Soil low in organic matter benefits from heavier applications, which help build organic reserves. Soil high in organic matter needs only the minimal amount of composted manure for maintenance.
The widespread availability and easy of use of chemical fertilizers have resulted in the decreased use of organic material. To help maximize your tomato production or to grow show-stopping petunias this year, add organic material to your planting sites. Wait at least four weeks before planting, do not apply fresh manure and, above all, do not work the soil when it is wet. Remember, gardening success always starts from the ground up.
Bruce Chladny is horticulture agent at K-State Research and Extension-Douglas County. For more gardening information call the Master Gardener Hotline, 843-7058, between 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
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