Our last post was about planning, using brain power. Now it’s time to use man power to prepare your garden for all the plants you’re going to grow! 💪

As with all things, there are several methods you could use to prepare. I will discuss what I prefer to use.

Step 1: Cover Crop Clean Up! If you placed a cover crop in the fall, time to get it cleared out! If you’re not growing year-round, cover crops are a great option to replenish your garden soil and to help keep any weeds out as it starts to warm up. I like to use winter peas, as they put nitrogen back into the soil and if left to flower, feed the honey bees. I use a hoe to clear out most of the vines and will leave some of the cut plants in the soil…it will break down and feed your new plants.

Step 2: Add compost! Even with a cover crop, I still add compost. Compost is so rich in nutrients. (I like to call it the black gold for gardeners.) Compost can help reduce pests and diseases, reduce the need for fertilizer, and encourage beneficial bacteria and fungi. I personally have a compost pile, but you may not have room for one and that is okay! Head to the store (preferably a local nursery) and pick up a bag of mushroom compost. Dump the bag(s) throughout your garden and work it into the soil. (If you’re not sure about how much you need, do a quick search for a compost calculator). After working in your compost, dampen the soil to prepare for planting.

Step 3: Mark it out! If you took the time to plan (like I suggested in my last post here), now is the time to put those plans into place! Grab your plans and start marking off your areas for planting. In raised bed gardens, I will use stake and string or small, medium, and large plates (picked up from a donation store) to place my plants. I’m a big fan of symmetry and aesthetics, even with annuals, so it’s important to me to take the time to lay out the plans. If I’m doing in-ground planting, I will often mark out my vining plants and then plant around those. I usually draw out the plans for in-ground and use a program for raised-bed planting.

Step 4: Plant! Now that everything is marked out, it’s time to get your hands dirty (or I at least like to work without gloves when I’m planting). Grab your plants or seeds and follow your plan to place your plants in the areas you marked out previously. Depending on the size of your garden, this can be tedious; but it’s probably my favorite part. Here you are planting possibilities!! (A quick tip: if you’re sowing seeds, don’t plant the seed deeper than its width. Often times, this happens and the seedling uses all its energy to try to reach the surface but never makes it.)

Step 5: Cover! If needed, depending on the season, take the time to cover your new seeds or plants. This will help protect your new plant babies from the elements, giving them a better chance to grow. (I will discuss covers next week.)

THAT’S ALL YOU GOTTA DO! Easy, peasy, right? If you took all the steps above, you have prepared your plants and yourself for a great growing season! If you’re confused about any of these steps, head over the to our store here and book a consult!