Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 18 UCW APRIL 19 - 25, 2023 How to prepare soil for spring planting a STAFF REPORT Spring is a season of rejuvenation, and perhaps nowhere is that rebirth more noticeable than in the yard. Each spring, grass begins to grow again as inviting landscapes beckon people outdoors. Extra sunlight and rising temperatures make spring a great time to plant flowers, grasses and trees. To ensure successful planting, homeowners must take steps to prepare the soil. Healthy soil can provide the ideal conditions for roots to take hold, helping plants establish themselves before potentially harsh summer conditions arrive. Preparing soil might seem like an extensive job, but a simple approach may be all that's necessary to create conditions that promote plant growth this spring. Clean up the previous months' mess. Whether homeowners live in regions marked by year-round warmth or places where winter typically fea- tures heavy snowfall, it's a good idea to clean up an area prior to spring plant- ing. Fallen leaves, rocks, grass clip- pings, and other debris can contribute to compacted soil that makes it hard for plants to establish strong, healthy root systems. Clear away any debris prior to planting before taking the next step in your soil preparation routine. Loosen the soil. Once debris has been cleared away, loosen the soil. Depending on the size of the area where you'll be planting, you may need to invest in tools like a shovel, spade, spading fork, and/or a lawn edger. If you're planting in a small area, such as a deck planter box that still has soil from last year's planting inside it, you can either clean the box and replace the soil entirely or dig around with a handheld trowel, cultivator and/or weeder. It's important to loosen all of the soil around where you will ultimately plant prior to planting to ensure water can reach the roots and help them establish themselves once planting is completed. Test and, if necessary, amend the soil. A simple pH test can help determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. is is an important step as soil that is too acidic or alkaline can decrease the availability of nutrients the plants will need to thrive. In addition to conducting a pH test, which can be purchased at little cost at a local home improvement store, homeowners can contact their local Cooperative Extension Service to test their soil quality. ese tests will reveal soil pH, but also can shed light on the texture of the soil and other components. Once the test is conducted, the local Coop Extension Service may recom- mend amendments to improve the nutritional quality of the soil so new plants can thrive. Soil conditions go a long way toward determining if new plants will thrive. Preparing the soil prior to spring planting can ensure a successful season. HOME & GARDEN Children 12 & Under Free $ 2 0 Sponsored by: Rain or Shine food trucks Vendors Festival park 335 Ray Ave, Fayetteville, NC Sunday - May 7 2023 KCT Beach Music Festival 1:00 - 9:00 pm reflections II Autumn Tyde.. Preparing soil for spring planting can help ensure a successful season of growth.