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Clods-of-Soil.jpg

Clods of Soil

Every year I end up with big chunks of soil in my garden.  They are so big and hard to break apart that gardening is truly a chore.

The big clods result from working the soil when it is too wet soil.  In the spring wait until the soil is only slightly moist before spading, tilling or digging.  Soil is ready to work when you can take a small handful, squeeze lightly and then break it apart with a tap of your finger.  If it stays in a ball after tapping the soil is too wet to work.  Go back inside and review your catalogues, garden plans and wait.  Adding organic matter to the soil will help improve drainage and speed up drying.  It also improves the soil for healthier plant growth.

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