Where in the state you are would be a help to us. You can add it to you forum name in settings. Not all sand is created equal, so amending it may or may not be necessary. The main thing to remember is to not work the soil too early, but with sand, that may not be an issue.

What kind of things did you want in the garden?

tj

Sand? Just wondering if you live in the Central Sands area of WI (Plover, Coloma, Wautoma ect). If so, I have family in Northern Adams county and they all grow in sand. I could help you with that if that is where you are.

The big issue with sand is water and fertility. Water will have to be applied on a regular basis as sand does not hold water well. Ditto with nutrients. Instead of fertilizing once a year (as with heavy clay soil), people with sandy soil are better to apply fertilizer 2-3 times during the growing season but in lower rate of application as it will leach out quickly if not taken up by the plants.

If you are in the central sands area of WI then beware of frosts up to June 5th! The growing season is short but the heat units in summer are good. Great area for snapbeans, potatoes, pickles, melons ect.

I am in SE WI and will be starting my tomato plants from seed around April 12th. Leeks, onions and peppers need to be started much earlier indoors.

Knowing where in WI that you are would help on giving advise.

Jen:

If you are in the Central Sands area, I should add that the soil is acidic (5.2 pH). You will need to lime the soil for good crop results. Since lime is slow acting, use Hydrated Lime if you did not apply lime last year. Hydrated lime is much faster acting. Apply this spring before you work up the ground.