Seedbed Preparation in Early Spring: Frosty Homestead Soil Work and Garden Update

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Good morning everyone.

Soil preparation status of seedbed (HB)

Following yesterday (March 10), I am preparing a new seedbed (HB). As at the same time of day yesterday, the air is cold and frost columns are forming on the ground surface. It is still too early to plant seedlings.

The seedbed is 23 meters in total length. It is roughly divided at the center into two different soil areas: the roadside side (hereafter referred to as the upper section or upper) and the compost shed side (hereafter referred to as the lower section or lower).

Upper section (HB seedbed): soil preparation status

The upper section has already been dug once, so the soil is quite soft and easy to work with a shovel. However, there are many stones about the size of a fist, and some even heavier ones appeared, which suggests that the digging was not thorough enough. It likely means that this area had few roots.

Lower section: grass condition (looks just like a lawn)

On the other hand, the lower section has a surface that looks like dead turf. Looking closely, it is actually dried cut grass that was left after mowing work in the summer and fall last year, repeatedly exposed to drying and rain until it hardened. Beneath it, there is a dense network of small and large roots like bean sprouts or capillaries. The hardened cut grass acts like a blanket, and it is clear that the roots underneath are still alive and thriving.

It would be good to dig it up soon, expose it to sunlight, and let it return to vegetable seeds and other uses.

Things are gradually starting to move forward toward spring. For now, there are no plans to use large machinery. It may take time, but I will continue steadily within what I can manage.

Well then, that’s it for today!