Spring Garden Prep Guide: Get Your Beds Ready

Timing Is Everything

In Idaho, our last frost date typically falls between late April and mid-May depending on where you are in the state. Start your soil prep 2-4 weeks before that date.

Step 1: Clean Up

Remove any leftover debris from last season. Old plant matter, fallen leaves, and weeds that made it through winter. Get down to bare soil so you can see what you're working with.

Step 2: Assess Your Soil

Grab a handful of garden soil and squeeze it. Does it form a tight ball that doesn't break apart? It's too compacted. Does it fall apart immediately? It lacks organic matter. Ideally, it should hold together loosely and crumble when you poke it.

If you want to get precise, send a sample to the University of Idaho Extension for a soil test. It's the single best investment you can make in your garden.

Step 3: Apply PREP

This is the foundation step. Spread 6 cups of PREP per 10 square feet across your garden bed. Work it into the top 6 inches with a garden fork or tiller. PREP delivers composted cow manure and alfalfa meal that rebuild organic matter and establish nutrient reserves.

Important: Do this at least 2 weeks before planting. The organic matter needs time to integrate.

Step 4: Plan Your Layout

While your soil is prepping, plan what goes where. Consider companion planting, sun exposure, and spacing. Tomatoes need 24-36 inches between plants. Bush beans can go closer at 4-6 inches.

Step 5: Boost at Planting

When planting day arrives, mix half a cup of BOOST into each planting hole. This delivers humic acid and micronutrients right where the roots will be, giving your plants a strong start.

Step 6: Sustain Through the Season

Once plants are established (about 2-3 weeks after planting), start applying FEED as a top-dress. One cup around each plant base every week during the growing season keeps the soil ecosystem thriving.

The Idaho Growing Calendar