- 1). Orient beds according to sun movement as well as available space and water availability. For lettuce, carrots and other low-growing crops a north-south orientation is important, allowing direct sunlight to reach both sides. Taller vegetables, such as tomatoes and trellised pole beans or peas, do best with an east-west axis. Low vegetables crops could be planted on the south side of the same bed, however, and still get full sun.
- 2). Measure out the length and width of vegetable beds on the ground. Tap stakes into the soil to mark bed borders. Use twine to connect stakes and establish at least three sides of each bed.
- 3). Till or double dig the soil to a depth of 18 to 24 inches, for the benefit of vegetable roots. To double dig, remove all topsoil in the bed to the depth of a garden spade's blade. Set aside this soil. Dig again to the same depth but this time loosen the soil, don't remove it.
- 4). Return the set-aside topsoil, shovelful by shovelful, mixing in at least equal proportions of shredded leaves, compost and well-rotted manure. Mix all soil and amendments thoroughly as you go. Make sure at least one-third of the bed's root zone consists of original soil.
- 5). Rake smooth the entire surface of the vegetable bed. Plant or transplant vegetables when soil is thoroughly warm. Provide trellises and other supports as needed. Lay down soaker hoses or drip irrigation system. Apply a thick layer of pine straw as mulch.
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