Blog by Patti Brantley

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By March, the garden starts sending little signals that the season is changing. The days are getting longer, buds are beginning to swell, and weeds seem to appear almost overnight. Even if the weather is still a little unpredictable, most gardeners start feeling the pull to get back outside.

If you're itching to spend some time in the garden, this is a perfect moment for a few simple tasks that can make the rest of the season much easier.

One of the first things to pay attention to is the soil. After months of winter rain and cold, it can still be wetter than it looks on the surface. Before digging or planting, try squeezing a handful of soil. If it feels wet or leaves mud on your hand and you haven’t yet watered, it's still too wet to plant.  Waiting a few extra days can protect the soil structure and help prevent compaction. If you have raised beds, those may be ready to plant and maybe just need a bit of compost added.

Secondly, even though spring feels close, many warm-season vegetables still need a head start indoors. This is a good time to start seeds for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and basil. A sunny window can work, or a grow light helps keep seedlings sturdy and prevents them from getting leggy.

For a helpful guide on what can be planted in our region throughout the year, UC Davis Professor Norris’ Vegetable Planting Guide for the Sacramento Valley is a great reference. It outlines what to plant and when based on our local climate: Click here for the Vegetable Planting Guide

You may notice that weeds are already getting comfortable. Mild temperatures and moist soil create ideal conditions for them. The good news is that early weeds are usually easy to remove. Pulling them while they're small and before they go to seed* takes just a few minutes and can prevent a much bigger job later in the season. 

You’re almost there…

Fourth, this is a good time to give irrigation systems a quick check. After sitting through the winter, drip lines and sprinklers may have leaks, clogs, or damaged emitters. Running the system for a few minutes and walking in the garden can reveal small problems before they become bigger ones once the weather heats up. If you don’t have an irrigation system, take a few moments and mentally note where you might plant things that have similar watering needs and how you will water them with a hose, sprinkler, or watering can. 

Lastly, take advantage of the longer evenings. Daylight Saving Time means more light after dinner. Sometimes this is the most enjoyable thing to do and remember at this time of year.

Banner Photo by wal_ 172619: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-a-dandelion-seed-head-in-natural-light-36389866/