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by Lydia Holley February 22, 2021
After the basic necessities of electricity and water have been restored, many gardeners may be itching to return to their regular spring garden chores. However, even after the snow thaws, you need to be patient and not start working outside too quickly.
Chances are, your soil will be thoroughly drenched from the melting snow. Estimates vary, but sources state it takes anywhere from nine to thirty inches of snow to equal one inch of rain, depending upon the snow’s texture. A light, powdery snow takes up more space than a wet, heavy snow or one mixed with sleet.
So, if we only received the equivalent of around one inch of rain, why is the soil so wet? Rain runs off instead of soaking in completely. But snow melts, so most of it is absorbed, saturating the soil. The air is cool, so the rate of evaporation is low. Also, plants are dormant, and less foliage means plants take up less water through their roots.
When will conditions be safe to work in your soil again? Much depends upon your particular soil’s structure. Sand drains quicker than clay because sand particles are much larger than clay’s. Clay’s structure is considered plate-like, with flat, microscopic pieces that lay on top of each other. Because there is little room in between these flat plates, the soil holds less air, so it takes more time to dry.
Ideally, soil holds 50% water and 50% air, but a snow melt changes that composition. In order for your soil to be workable, you must wait until your soil has had time to exchange extra water for air. Because of the large, round-ish shape of sand particles, it dries quicker than clay. That is also why people are cautioned not to drive or even walk on wet soil—that pressure compacts the soil further, giving less space for air to occupy. Digging in wet soil damages the soil’s structure, compromising drainage and reducing aeration, which is necessary for soil microorganisms to live. Studies have shown that compacted soil which drains poorly may contribute to certain diseases.
So, what can you do now? Stay inside and prioritize and plan your garden chores. Take established pathways. You may be able to prune shrubs now by keeping on those pathways. Look for sunny areas which will dry out quicker than those in shadier spots. Small hills will be workable long before low-lying areas. Every day, test your soil by squeezing it in your hand. When the soil is moist and crumbly instead of wet and sticky, it will be safe to resume your usual gardening activities.
For more information, call 903-675-6130, email [email protected].
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