Hardscape & Health: Prepping Your Soil Before the First Thaw

By mid-February, the "winter itch" is real. We’ve spent weeks staring out the window at grey skies, clutching seed catalogs like they are treasure maps. But before you can tuck those January-started seedlings into the ground, there is vital work to be done outdoors.

This is the season of Hardscape and Health. While the soil may still be too cold to plant, it is the perfect temperature for assessing the foundation of your garden. Prepping now means that when the warm weather finally breaks, you won't be wasting precious planting days fixing a broken trellis or fighting clay-heavy soil.

Step 1: The Soil Health Check

Good gardening happens from the ground up. In mid-February, take advantage of a "warm" spell to test your soil. You don't need fancy tools—just a simple pH kit from your local center.

• The Squeeze Test: Take a handful of soil. If it crumbles, it’s drying out and ready for amendments. If it stays in a solid, muddy ball, it’s too wet to work. Working wet soil can destroy its structure for the entire season!

Step 2: Hardscape Audit

Your "hardscape" includes everything that isn't a plant: raised beds, fences, trellises, and paths.

• Inspect for Frost Heave: Check if your raised bed corners have pulled apart or if your fence posts have shifted.
• The Sharpening Ritual: Now is the time to clean and sharpen your shears and shovels. A sharp tool makes cleaner cuts, which prevents plant disease in the spring.

Step 3: Layering for Success

If your soil is workable, add a layer of organic compost or aged manure to your beds. You don't need to till it in! Let the melting snow and spring rains carry those nutrients down to the root zone for you.