Soil Preparation and Liming for Backyard Vegetable Garden

It's probably fair to say that nothing is more satisfying to the home gardener than enjoying vegetables harvested from the backyard garden. Getting the soil ready for planting will probably be the most physical part of your whole gardening project. But whatever you do, don't give in to the temptation to cut corners on this part of the operation. If you do a poor job of preparing the soil, you can expect poor results from your garden even if you work hard on planting and cultivation.

Probably the most physical part of vegetable gardening is preparing the soil for planting. On large gardens, mechanical equipment such as a rototiller or tractor-drawn plow often is necessary, and even the hiring of such equipment or the job itself may be practical. However, on smaller gardens the task can be accomplished with a spade fork or shovel. Much depends on the type of roots and vegetation that must be removed.

The time to begin soil preparation depends to some extent on what's growing on your garden site now. If you have heavy weeds or a cover crop you intend to turn under, you should really start a month or six weeks before planting time. If you've kept the garden site furrow or you plan to remove all the vegetation, you could prepare the soil and plant within two or three days. If you plan to work extra organic matter into the soil before planting, you should probably start two or three weeks ahead of time.

To prepare the soil dig down six to eight inches and turn each shovelful completely over. Even if you are turning under weeds or a cover crop, you should remove all the woody plant materials because it won't decompose very well.

Proper applications of lime made to extremely acid soils will increase the production of most vegetables. The main functions of lime are to reduce soil acidity, to supply nutrients mainly calcium, to the soil, and to bring micronutrients into usable form. A well-limed soil helps to avoid such problems as blossom-end-rot of tomatoes, which is related to an inadequate calcium supply. Apply liming materials only if a soil test indicates a need for them. Your County Cooperative Extension Agent can assist you in having your s oil test by providing directions and an inexpensive soil-test-kit.

Too much lime in the soil may be just as bad as too little. Where soils are highly alkaline, special attention must be paid to the inclusion of minor elements in the fertilizer mixes. Sulfur is suggested to reduce alkalinity on over-limed soil. Generally, 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet is adequate. However, on soils with a native pH of over 7.0, applying sulfur is of little benefit.

Liming materials and the amount to apply depend upon the soil reaction (pH) and the type soil, among other things. Often it is necessary to consult a technical advisor to determine the proper liming program for your garden soil. But in general, a reaction below pH 5.5 indicates a need for lime, and 2-3 pounds of dolomitic lime per 100 square feet is a fairly effective application to start a remedial program.

The lime should be spread evenly over the garden before plowing or spading it into the soil to a depth of six inches. Then water the soil to promote the chemical reaction.

When a soil test has established a need for liming, lime may be applied close to planting (a day or t wo) with out detriment, however, it will be several weeks before the benefits of the liming will become effective.

For more information on preparing your garden soil, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service or website.