After months of planning, when there's a hint of warmth in
the air, it's time to start the garden. The garden can be worked as soon as the
soil is dry enough that it won't form heavy clumps and collapse down on tender
plants.
Use the chocolate cake test:
Squeeze a fistful of soil in your hand. If, after being
squeezed, the soil forms into a ball and maintains the form of your fist, it's
still too wet. If it crumbles like good chocolate cake, it's ready for you to
work it.