Cultivating in the Spring

Once autumn cultivation has provided the soil with a large amount of moisture, it is necessary to retain this moisture.

At the same time, the soil's surface must be warm and dry so seeds can be sown as soon as possible in the spring.

Winter frosts will have made the soil on the surface friable. However, rains coming after frosts will compact the surface.

Left alone, capillary attraction will cause water will rise to the surface and constantly evaporate.

This will make the surface cold and remove water that has been stored in the soil.

To prevent water loss and to make sure the soil is suitable for seeding, you should move the surface soil as soon as it is dry enough to be cultivated.

Stirring the soil closes capillary ducts and prevents water from evaporating.

Aerating and warming the soil also encourages nitrifying bacteria to grow, which helps seeds to germinate.