April is the time when we get many of our outdoor plantings started outdoors and when winter is finally loosening its grip on the cold and snow. In this week’s tip, we’ll be going over some of our strategies for early planting success.
Our first method involves warming up the soil. Soil solarization is a method of sterilizing soil in hot climates and a similar approach can be taken to warm up the soil in the spring. Simply cover up the soil with something that can trap and insulate the soil, allowing it to warm up faster than without protection. Most often this means covering the soil with either clean or black plastic. Clear plastic is better for warmer climates as it allows the sun to directly heat up the soil while black plastic is better for cooler climates as it helps to insulate and hold heat longer than clear plastic.
Since many seeds require a certain minimum soil temperature to germinate, having adequately warmed soil can dramatically improve germination and overall yields. Another technique we like to use in the spring requires advanced preparation from the previous fall. If you setup simple hoop tunnels to protect your crops over the winter, when spring comes around, you’ll have your own mini greenhouse and soil solarizer working for you.
The second method involves using floating row covers. Row covers a lightweight, woven fabric designed to keep bugs and insects out of your garden while still allowing air and moisture to pass through . Depending the thickness and weight, most row covers simply sit loosely, or “float” on top of the plants allowing them to grow unimpeded and without too much additional weight pushing down on them. Floating row covers also help to preserve moisture and heat to the plants and soil.
For root vegetables (which often require continuously moist soil) and brassica crops (which are loved by flea beetles), floating row covers offer a great additional layer of protection and improved crop yields. Be careful when handling floating row cover as it can rip and break easily, especially if it comes in contact with a sharp object. Some covers can be used for several seasons if gently handled.
Our final tip involves additional early preparation from the previous year’s fall season. Before the hard frost comes and the ground freezes, spread your compost, coffee grounds, and shredded leaves to prepare the beds for a spring planting. That way when the soil warms up, you’ll be ready to start planting without worrying about getting the soil prepped first.
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