Due to the fickle nature of our weather here in this valley, late February and early March can be a particularly harsh time for the gardener.  This is especially true after a winter like the one we have just endured.
I have often heard that if we have made it past Valentine’s Day in good shape weather-wise we are going to be sailing into spring and will soon be planting peas and onions.
In many years this is, in fact, what happens.  Other years, however, someone or something puts a hand on Mother Nature’s shoulder and says “Not so fast.”  This year seems to be one of those years.
Spring is on its way, despite what may happen between now and its official arrival in just over three weeks.  Don’t be in a rush, however, to take the shovel down from the tool wall and start turning over your soil.
Although it’s a big temptation after this long and cold winter, you are risking the health of the spring garden by entering into it too soon.  You may say its nonsense and I’ve waited long enough to start gardening, but consider the following:
1.  We have had frost in the ground for much longer and it has gone deeper than it has for several winters.  It will take longer to completely come out, particularly in the north-facing and shady areas of your landscape.
2.  The snow stayed on the lawn and garden for a longer period of time than we’ve been used to this winter.  This means there is more moisture to come out of the soil before it’s safe to walk on or to dig.
3.  Walking on your garden soil while it’s still soggy can compact it, sometimes to the point where it doesn’t recover in time.  This is particularly true in the vegetable garden.
I am as anxious as anyone to start peeling off the layers of winter’s coat in the garden, to give the lawn a brisk raking to rid it of the debris of four months of snow and cold, to cut away all of the dead growth covering the perennials and to add some more compost to my raised beds.  So when is it safe to start digging in the garden?
Here are three foolproof indicators from The Old Farmer’s Almanac Book of Garden Wisdom. 
First, step out into the garden.  If your footprint is shiny, there is still too much water in the soil.  If it’s dull, the water has drained away and you can start gardening.
Second, take a handful of garden soil and squeeze it into a ball, then drop it.  If it shatters, it’s ready.  If it stays together or only breaks in two, it’s still too wet.
Finally (and I recommend this only if your garden is sheltered and out of the view of your neighbours) drop your pants and sit on the ground. If it feels cold and clammy, it’s still too wet and cold.  If it feels warm and comfortable, start gardening, after you’ve put your pants back on.