- 1). Clear the garden bed of any plant matter or debris. Slide a shovel under the top 2 inches of sod and lift it out. Compost the sod if desired. Alternately, rototill the existing sod into the bed and remove any large rocks or roots by hand.
- 2). Perform a soil test on the site to determine what kind of amendments are needed prior to planting. Procure a soil test from your county extension office or purchase a testing kit from a garden center. Follow the instructions given for the specific style of test. Most tests require taking a soil sample and extension test require you to take the sample to the extension testing lab.
- 3). Lay a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost over the bed along with any soil amendments, such as limestone, that the soil test recommended. Use up to 5 inches of compost in clay beds that do not drain well. Till the compost and soil amendments into the bed to a 10-inch depth.
- 4). Lay a sheet of black plastic mulch over the bed or cover the bed with a 4-inch layer of straw mulch after preparing it. This prevents weeds from taking over the bed in the time between preparing the garden bed and planting it.
- 5). Remove the mulch in spring prior to planting. Apply a starter fertilizer recommended for the types of plants you are growing at the rate indicated on the fertilizer label. Plant your seeds or seedlings in the bed, following the spacing requirements on the seed packet or plant label.
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