The temperatures are predicted to hit 70 degrees today for the first time this spring and overnight freezes are becoming the exception rather than rule. I spent Easter weekend getting the beds ready for spring planting in the coming weeks. It was a relief to finally get my hands dirty after a long, cold winter!
Last year we installed a few new beds, so the first order of business was a soil test. The extension office provides an excellent detailed test, but I used the cheap test kit from the garden center since I am pretty confident on my soil quality. Testing provides important information, including the acidity of the soil and any nutrient deficiencies. I don't test as often as I should, but I do try to test all new beds and older beds if they aren't producing well.
