Spongy Soils are Best
Gardeners get itchy to be in their gardens as days get longer and the sun starts to warm the earth. However, the frozen earth takes time to warm. Gardeners need to wait until the full depth of the frost has left before starting to work their gardens lest they compact the soil. Compacted soils lose their ability to hold oxygen and water that plants require to grow.
Viewer Tip: New England Wild Flower Society recommends checking your garden soil for moisture content. Too wet soil, when squeezed, will form a ball. If the soil breaks apart, it is porous enough to accept rainfall readily and root systems can absorb water. Also, don’t work in the garden immediately after it rains since soil compaction can occur, restricting water and oxygen content at the root level.
Season: Spring
This information is provided by the New England Wild Flower Society. Learn more at www.newenglandwild.org.
