Oh Spring. Trying our patience every day as we ride a roller coaster of temperatures. Not only that but we are up to our ankles in mud. Let’s talk about that mud or I mean soil.
Did you know that your garden soil is a combination of dirt, organic material, water, and oxygen in air pockets? All of these components are necessary for your plants to grow and thrive.
Currently in Portage County our soil is saturated with rain water, especially soil that is high in clay. Water has filled all the empty spaces in the soil. If you step on this wet soil, it forces the soil down and compresses the air pockets. This effect is multiplied many times over when you run equipment, say a lawn mower over your lawn. When you compress wet soil, it does not go back to that original condition with air pockets. Now your plants will have to work harder to push out roots and find the nutrients they need.
Best advice? Stay off wet soil! Patience!
How do you know if the ground is too wet to work? Some clues to look for: areas of standing water or mud collecting on your boots. It’s too wet! Sometimes it’s not so obvious. If you grab a handful of dirt, squeeze, and it holds its shape, it’s too wet to work. If it starts to crumble or lose its shape, it is dry enough and ready to work. Loose, friable soil is a key to healthy plants during the growing season. Wait for that dry enough soil! Patience!
So, what kind of gardening can be done right now? This is a perfect time to start seeds indoors for your vegetable garden. For example, tomatoes and eggplant should be started 6-8 weeks before setting out. If you start this week, they should be ready to plant around Memorial Day, a great time to set them out. There are many kinds of vegetables, herbs, and flowers that can be started early. Read your seed packet to determine if they can be started indoors early and how much time you need. Some seeds (like peas, spinach and others) are usually direct seeded in the ground.
There is a wealth of material online and in our The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences library to help you get started. Try this one: It’s Time to Start Seeds
How about getting your garden pots and tools cleaned up? If you are like me, you did not get them cleaned up last fall. It’s not too late.
Here’s a quick guide to cleaning your pots and tools. Start by brushing off debris with a stiff brush. Dip your pot or tool in a bucket of soapy water and scrub. You may choose to sanitize your pots in a solution of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water to reduce the risk of carrying any pathogens from last season to this. Allow to dry thoroughly. Your pots are ready.
For your tools, apply a light coat of mineral oil to the metal portion and linseed oil to the wooden handle. Wipe and store until the soil is ready – remember – patience! How to Clean and Disinfect Gardening Tools
Again, please contact us with your questions.
Written by Shannon Osorio, Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer
Ohio State University Extension Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer program. Questions/comments/suggestions/want to find out more/become a PCMGV: 330-296-6432 • OSU PCMGV web • portco.mgv.oh@gmail.com • FB PCMGV • PCMGV Speaker’s Bureau