Vermont gardening can be a richly rewarding experience - if you do your prep work. Soil preparation is crucial to a successful harvest. The soil in Vermont tends to be a bit acidic. Usually lime is added for correct balance. Spend the time and effort to check the pH level in your soil. The levels vary in Vermont and a correct pH level can be attained with very little cost or effort. "If nothing else, check your pH levels, add some lime if needed, and fertilize with manure."
Get started as early as possible but don't turn your soil too soon. The preparation of the soil is key. To test if the soil is ready for preparation (turning and planting), make a ball with the soil in your hand. Feel the soil and see if it naturally crumbles. If not, it may be too early to begin your garden. Over-moist soil that does not crumble in your hand is not ready for preparation.
Manure. There is plenty of it here in Vermont and it's not all in Montpelier (despite what some Vermonters claim). The best fertilizer is good old-fashioned cow manure. Talk to your friendly farmer down the road about dropping a pile of Vermont cow manure in your yard every spring. The decomposed (aged) manure will not smell so bad and will work wonders for your garden. Use care when you mix manure into your soil. Mix manure with the soil to avoid burning the plants roots with concentrated manure.
