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How to prepare soil for spring planting BY METRO Spring is a season of rejuvenation, and per- haps nowhere is that rebirth more noticeable than in the yard. Each spring, grass begins to grow again as invit- ing landscapes beckon people outdoors. Extra sunlight and rising temperatures make spring a great time to plant flowers, grasses and trees. To ensure successful plant- ing, homeowners must take steps to prepare the soil. Healthy soil can provide the ideal conditions for roots to take hold, helping plants establish them- selves before potentially harsh summer condi- tions 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 mess from previous months Whether home- owners live in regions marked by year-round warmth or places where winter typically features heavy snow- fall, it's a good idea to clean up an area be- fore spring planting. Fallen leaves, rocks, grass clippings and other debris can con- tribute 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 rou- tine. Loosen the soil Once debris has been cleared away, loosen the soil. De- pending on the size of the area where you' ll be planting, you may need to invest in tools such as 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 hand- held trowel, cultivator and/or weeder. It's im- portant to loosen all of the soil around where you will ultimately plant to ensure water can reach the roots and help them establish themselves once plant- ing is completed. Test and/or amend the soil A simple pH test can help determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. This is an important step as soil that is too acidic or al- kaline can decrease the availability of nutrients the plants will need to thrive. In addition to con- ducting a pH test, which can be purchased at little cost at a local home improvement store, homeowners can contact their local Cooperative Extension Service office to test their soil quality. These tests will reveal soil pH, but also can shed light on the texture of the soil and other com- ponents. Once the test is conducted, the local Cooperative Extension Service office may rec- ommend amendments to improve the nutri- tional quality of the soil so new plants can thrive. Soil conditions go a long way toward deter- mining if new plants will thrive. Preparing the soil before spring planting can ensure a successful season. 21 th 2023 March 5, June 25 & September 24 March 3, June 23 & September 22 Sunday BANG Readership (print + e-Edition) 664,100* H8 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001 Homes | Advertising Section