8 Solutions for Spring Garden Problems

Spring is full of anticipation and hope for a successful garden season.

- Jennifer Howell

But it only takes a small hiccup to derail your grand garden plans. If you can predict a problem and take preventive steps, you’ll save time and labor (and frustration) fixing it later. Here are a few troubles that might come up in the spring garden and how to head them off before they become big problems.

1 No-Show Seedlings

Seeds planted outside when the ground is too cold often fail to germinate and may rot in wet soil.

SOLUTION Before sowing seeds, use a soil thermometer. Insert the probe into the soil 1 to 3 inches deep and give it a few moments to get an accurate read. Do it in the morning for three days in a row to determine an average. Cold-tolerant crops can be planted when the soil is 45 degrees F, while crops like corn or beans need at least 65 degrees F. Consult a seed germination temperature chart, like ours using the code at left, to find the ideal range for your crops.

2 Wet Soil Woes

When early spring rains or melting snow leave the ground saturated, stepping into a perennial bed or tilling your vegetable garden too soon can compact the soil. Compacted soil reduces air movement and creates hard, clumpy soil that is difficult to plant and stifles root growth.

SOLUTION First, relax and try not to rush out and plant when it's too wet. Next, grab a handful of soil and squeeze it into a ball. Toss it gently in the air and catch it—if it crumbles apart, it is dry enough to till or plant. If you must step into the garden while it's still wet, lay down a board to distribute your weight.

3 Contorted Crops

If twisted carrots, small onions, or barely-there radishes have been your veggie garden experience, overcrowding may be the cause. Overcrowded seedlings compete for water and space, often resulting in stunted or distorted growth.