Knowledgebase
Winter Prep for Garden #922693
Asked December 05, 2025, 8:08 PM EST
St. Clair County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
It sounds like you are interested in planting vegetables next summer, so you will need to start preparations in the spring. As soon as the soil dries in the spring you should take soil samples that you can send in for a soil analysis. Here is a website that explains how to obtain the test and how to take your samples: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/
You probably do not want to use herbicides to kill of the grass plants, so your choices are physical removal (digging out) of the sod, or a form of smothering.
After the grass is removed or killed, you can add organic matter and the recommended fertilizer (per your soil test results). MSU recommends a no (or minimal) till culture for vegetable gardens. This involves only digging where plants are to be placed.
Here is an MSU article about preparing for vegetable growing: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/preparing_the_smart_vegetable_garden
Hope this helps.
