Garden Q&A: How should I prepare my vegetable plot for spring?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

Preparing your vegetable beds for spring is all about the soil. File picture

QUESTION

How do I prepare my vegetable beds for spring?

ANSWER

Preparing your vegetable beds for spring is all about the soil and, in particular, improving the fertility and structure of the soil before planting. 

Clear the beds of weeds, debris, and any remaining crops. 

If the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged, lightly fork it over to improve aeration. You can skip this if you prefer the “no-dig” approach and then, add a generous layer of organic matter, such as well-rotted compost or manure, to enrich the nutrient content and improve the structure of the soil.

Covering the beds with cardboard, or horticultural fleece can help warm the soil and suppress weeds in preparation for planting. 

If you’ve had issues with pests or diseases, make sure you rotate your crops this year to prevent recurring problems.

If you sowed a winter green manure, this should be dug in two to four weeks before planting crops to allow decomposition and nutrient release. 

If you didn’t sow a winter green manure, it may be an idea to sow fast-growing varieties like mustard now as a short-term green manure before planting summer crops later in the spring.

• Got a gardening question for Peter Dowdall? Email [e-mail]