Spring Gardening Tips
Spring is a wonderful time of year for gardeners as it marks the beginning of the planting season. As the snow melts away and the weather warms up, gardeners eagerly start preparing their soil for the upcoming season.
One of the key factors in successful gardening is having healthy soil. Healthy soil is essential for growing healthy plants as it provides the necessary nutrients, water, and air that plants need to thrive. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your soil for spring planting.
- Test your soil
Before planting, it’s a good idea to test your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content. You can purchase a soil test kit from your local garden center or send a soil sample to a lab for analysis. The results of the soil test will help you determine what amendments, if any, you need to add to your soil.
- Add organic matter
Organic matter such as compost, manure, or shredded leaves can improve the quality of your soil. Organic matter helps to improve soil structure, retain moisture, and provide essential nutrients to your plants. Add a layer of organic matter to your soil and mix it in well before planting.
- Aerate your soil
Compacted soil can prevent water and air from reaching plant roots, which can lead to poor plant growth. Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil. You can aerate your soil using a garden fork, aerator tool, or by simply walking around on your soil wearing spiked shoes.
- Mulch your soil
Mulching your soil can help to retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. A layer of mulch also helps to protect plant roots from extreme temperatures and provides a habitat for beneficial insects. Use organic mulch such as shredded bark, straw, or leaves and apply it around the base of your plants.
- Rotate your crops
Crop rotation is the practice of planting different crops in different areas of your garden each year. This helps to prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases and pests and also helps to maintain soil fertility. Plan your crop rotation carefully to ensure that you’re planting crops that are compatible with each other and that will help to replenish soil nutrients.
Oregon State University Extension provides reminders of key garden chores HERE, such as fertilizing, pest control, planting, and maintenance.
Wonderful Soil Centers
Salem:
- Guentner’s Gardens – (503) 585-7133 wide selection of top soils
- Highway Fuel Co. – (503) 363-6444 supplies many landscaping items
Lebanon
- Central Bark – (541) 451-2373
Albany
- U & D Trucking & Nursery, Inc. – (541) 928-3448
Scio
- Ground Up Soil – (503) 910-0221 unique worm castings, plants and soil supplier
Eugene
- Lane Forest Supply Products – 541-345-9085 mulch, landscaping, plants
- Rexius – 541.342.1835
Garden Supply
Lebanon
Green Thumb Garden Center – 5795 S Santiam Hwy, Lebanon, OR 97355 (541) 451-5464
Albany
Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply formerly J&B Supply
- Urban Ag Supply (541) 497-2988
Scio
Eugene
- Jerry’s – Springfield and Eugene locations
- Foxhollow Nursery – (541) 345-4084 Corner of 28th and Friendly St, Eugene, Oregon 97405
- Down to Earth – (541) 342-6820
- Just Hanson Bros garden – 91444 Coburg Rd, Eugene, OR 97408 541-484-1649
Corvallis
Did we miss something important?
Healthy soil is the key to successful gardening. By testing your soil, adding organic matter, aerating your soil, mulching, and rotating your crops, you can create a healthy and fertile soil that will support your plants throughout the growing season. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest come fall. We love to have the places you love for gardening season. If we have missed something, please email, text or add a comment with the location and we will be sure to move it to the list.
