As March approaches we all begin to feel a bit itchy to return to the out of doors. Hibernation is not everything it is cracked up to be. Also, aren't all the seed catalogs starting to arrive and nurseries gearing up? So why shouldn't we get out there and work in our gardens? One very good reason not to, is the MUD. We may be ready but the environment isn't.

Even though trees and shrubs are beginning to break and some bulbs are starting to show, the soil still may be frozen just a few inches down. With warming daytime temperatures and near freezing nighttime temperatures we see a phenomenon called "heaving". This action can move walls, throw plants out of the ground and cause general disruption. As seen in the following photo, the posts were heaved almost one inch out of the ground and the edging settled back down. Even though this was plastic edging it can happen to metal edging as well. If plants are placed in the ground in the fall be sure to plant at correct levels and amend the soil with bone meal to enhance root growth or what's pictured below may take place. If it does, gently replant and provide support if needed.

The by-product of all this heaving is mud. Soil is not static and even in a dry state soil flows or creeps. The internal and external forces that are exerted upon it are facilitated by freeze-thaw cycles. These cycles give way to a granular soil structure. Soil structures are saturated and then dehydrated causing the squeezing of peds (a unit of soil structure crumb, granule, etc). When you go out into the garden area and you find it very wet, besides bringing a good amount of soil back into the house, you will contribute to compaction of the soil. Compaction occurs when micropores are reformed into macropores. The space between peds is used for air, water, and nutrient movement. These pores are the most important aspect of the soil. It is what keeps soils alive. Just one person working in a garden space can cause compaction, soil aggregates are combined and reformed and soil structures are modified. Though you may not notice the damage, many things will be adversely affected; drainage, nutrient movement, increased water run-off and less vigorous plantings. This will increase gardening costs to you in plant replacements, water wastage, lost fertilizer and lost time (reconditioning soil).

To avoid this situation is cheap and very easy. All you need to do is have a bit of patience and wait a while. A few lost days in the spring will give way to many enjoyable days further on in the growing season. Learn to use the fall season to your advantage. Plant perennials and shrubs, clean up your garden area, and plan for the next season. This will lead to a more relaxed springtime.