Quick Guide: Seasonal Ohio Soil Task

Spring

• Avoid working soil until it crumbles easily in your hand

• Add compost lightly; don’t over-amend wet soil

Summer

• Mulch to retain moisture and protect microbes

• Spot-water deeply instead of frequent shallow watering

Fall

• Leave leaves or shred them into beds

• Plant cover crops or native perennials

Winter

• Let soil rest under mulch or snow cover

• Plan soil improvements for spring, not during freeze

How This Connects Across Your Backyard

Healthy soil = stronger plants — This reduces pests and disease.

Better water infiltration — This supports rain gardens and native plantings.

Active nutrient cycling — Improves compost performance.

Living soil ecosystems — These support birds, bees, and beneficial insects.

Soil health isn’t a single project. It’s the quiet system supportingeverything else in your backyard.