Spring gardening begins with good soil and sharp tools
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- As gardeners slowly make their way outside again, local experts are offering reminders about safety and variety.
Linda Bywaters said the excitement begins when the weather clears and she can begin tilling the soil again.
"I love to be outside, and I love to work with the plants," Bywaters said. "There's nothing like tilling the garden, getting it prepared and then planting things like lettuce and radishes early."
Todd Higgins, a horticulture specialist for the Master Gardener program at the University of Missouri Extension in St. Joseph, said successful gardening starts with good soil.
"The first thing we would recommend is to take a soil test," Higgins said. "This way, you know what the nutritional status of your soil is before you begin gardening for the season."
Higgins compared this to taking a blood test when you visit a doctor's office. A soil test gives gardeners an idea of how to fertilize the garden effectively. The extension center can do a test and guide those getting back out in the yard to create a healthy spring garden.
Measuring your gardening area before you plant is another key to a good start.
"A lot of gardeners make mistakes when they plant trees or shrubs," Higgins said. "When they buy them, they are small, but if they don't do research on the full size or if they fail to measure adequately, these small trees and shrubs can soon damage parts of the house, other plants or even power lines."
The tag on the tree or shrub purchased will often give the diameter of the full-grown size. If not, a quick internet check can help.
When it comes to both big and smaller gardens, variety is important. The Master Gardeners at the University of Missouri Extension suggested rotating certain plants, especially berries, every season or two to get the best production.
And while the beginning of spring has many excited to get out in the yard, Higgins cautioned about the necessity of people getting their bodies reacquainted with the physical demands of gardening.
"Work you way into, and don't overdo it," Higgins said. "Do some exercises, especially stretching exercises, especially for those of us who are a bit higher up in age."
Gardeners should make sure their tools are safe. This means sharpening blades, replacing bent or broken items and updating well-used tools. Finally, gardeners are reminded to dial 811 before digging to avoid power lines.
For more information from experts, gardeners are invited to reach out to the University of Missouri Extension, located near the campus of Missouri Western, to consult with the Master Gardener's program by calling 816-279-1691.
