Late Winter Garden Preparations

Early February is still early for sowing the seeds that will bloom into a beautiful garden spectacle. However, it is never too early to start preparing your garden for the planting season. Here are a few tips to give you a head start on your garden work for the coming spring. 

Especially with the unpredictable weather that the Bay Area is known for, the soil often reflects that temperament. Start by rooting out any sticks or leaves that have nestled into the soil. These can often get in the way of new growth and clutter your workspace. Next is getting vital nutrients back to the ground. Usually, a good layer of mulch does the trick. Mixing in fertilizer and compost is even better for getting essential nutrients like nitrogen and potassium. Happy soil means happy plants, and with just a little care, the soil is good as new after a cold winter. 

Give those tools a check-up, clean them up, and look for any rust or chipping. Cleaning and revitalizing tools that have been sitting around all winter will make harvesting and tending to your garden much more manageable. Even the best-kept tools can use a bit of hot water and soap to make sure that any bacteria is off and there is no dirt stuck to them. Checking for any rust, steel wool, and elbow grease takes care of the job. Make sure no bacteria is being put back into the soil that has just been fertilized, and keep the tools safe so they can last another year. 

Take a good look at the irrigation. Sprinklers and hoses often develop cracks or leaks over the winter with the cold air compressing the ground. Do a little test run to see if any repairs are needed, so you’re not finding out when those plants really need the hydration. Knowing when to plant is only half the battle. Making sure your garden is in tip-top shape makes harvesting and planting much easier. 

Gardening is a year-round labor of love, and prior planning prevents poor plant performance. It never hurts to take a little bit of time to ensure everything is in order before you start planting and harvesting spring vegetables. Not only will your plants thank you, but your garden will look the best in the neighborhood, and everyone will want to know your secret.