When I decided to take flower growing to the next level, I figured a soil test was in order. I hadn’t had any particular growing problems in the plot, but I wanted to know my soil more closely, seeing as how the earth is such a critical (and often under appreciate) part of this whole flower-growing arrangement.

So I took in a soil sample, and got word back that a few things weren’t quite right: Nitrogen and pH.

My soil wasn’t critically low in nitrogen, but it could use a boost, so I opted for blood meal. It’s a slower release and more natural for the environment. (In the process, I also learned from my grandma that my great grandmother always used blood meal in her flourishing gardens. I love finding connections between the generations. We’ve changed so much since she was my age, but it makes me feel like we’re all woven together in the same tapestry of life.)

My plot was also a touch on the basic side, so I adjusted the pH per their recommendations by adding prilled sulfur.

My dad brought over his tiller and we set to work spreading the amendments with a drop spreader, then tilling them in. The tiller is a bit of a beast! As I was walking beside it, watching it loosen the ground with such power and ease, I couldn’t help but think of how much people had to work when they planted by hand and with oxen. Yes, it took me a little time to get the hang of the tiller, (and it made me realize I need to do a little more strength training!), but I sure am grateful to have access to this method.

The soil looked wonderful. I did a cover crop last fall on half the plot and mulched the other half. I eventually want to become a no-till gardener, but that will only be possible if I get the soil to a spot where I don’t need to add anything that needs tilled in! Next year I’m going to do the soil test earlier in the fall so I can make any adjustments before winter instead of after. That, at least, will give the ground a better stretch of no-till before planting. As is, it will have two months to recover and re-establish underground microbial activity and fungal networks. That’s better than nothing!

After tilling the main flower plot under, we tarped the whole area to keep the soil from drying out and to encourage weed seeds to germinate and die off before planting. I’m hoping this method will cut way back on weed trouble, especially early in the growing season when weeds and plants are really battling for resources! That sheet of plastic had absolutely no intention of staying in place. It was windy yesterday, and if my dad hadn’t been there, too, I’m afraid the tarp would have lifted me right off the ground and carried me down the block! We piled on lots of bricks to make sure it doesn’t make an escape…

I’m glad to have that task done! Now it really does feel like spring…even if it isn’t quite. 🙂