Cabin fever can get the best of most folks. It's not just the cold that can do it, but short days and raining too much can just about drive you crazy. It may not be the time to plant, but there's nothing wrong in taking steps to prepare. Often the most overlooked (or intentionally avoided step) is that of effective preparation. It can seem like a daunting task to prepare the ground for planting, but just digging up the ground is not good enough.

The adage "what you get out is what you put in" applies here. You can make things easier on yourself and better for your soil by applying EM-1 Microbial Inoculant (formerly Pro-Biotica). This stands for "effective micro-organisms." It contains beneficial microbes that help break down crop residue or any other organic matter or compost and make nutrients available in your soon-to-be-planted garden.

Giving the soil a head start by earlier preparation will make your seedlings and transplants thrive. Other things to consider would be Nitron Formula A-35 Organic Soil Conditioner, Bioform 4-2-2 Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer and Root Maximizer Beneficial Fungi. It may still be too cold to plant, but you still get to work in the garden a bit and satisfy the urge.

The other most important thing you can do before your garden is really rolling is to test test test! What is your pH? How are your essential nutrients looking? Many user-friendly Soil Analysis Tools & Test Kits are available today to help eliminate your guess work. Make your applications in the most efficient way possible-your plants get what they need and you save money.