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2) Prepare the Soil\/Land<\/h1>\n
Once you have some space set aside, you’ll want to get the soil ready for gardening.\u00a0 There are many methods for this, but here are a few of my favorites for 1st-time garden areas*:<\/p>\n
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- Blend your own soil for fabric raised beds<\/li>\n
- Add beneficial microbes, compost, minerals, and\/or fertilizers<\/li>\n
- Till\/broadfork the land to kill existing plants and aerate soil<\/li>\n
- Cover existing lawn, clover, weeds, etc. with plastic or a tarp for several weeks.\u00a0 Once they are dead, cut the area in sections and flip upside down<\/li>\n
- Heavily mulch an area a season ahead of time to kill existing plants while also fertilizing<\/li>\n
- Encourage worms and other organisms with organic matter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
*I would not recommend these processes every year, especially tilling and other processes that severely impact soil structure.\u00a0 These should be practiced a single time in specific circumstances as part of a long-term strategy.<\/p>\n
3) Introduce Plants<\/h1>\n
Once you’ve got soil ready for planting, it is best to get plants in right away.\u00a0 This minimizes competition from weeds and other pioneer species that will readily and immediately colonize your beautifully prepared soil!<\/p>\n
You can either sew seeds directly into the soil or germinate them ahead of time.\u00a0 I like to germinate my seed in a more controlled environment than directly planting them, but it’s a personal preference.\u00a0 Once you get plants in the ground, you are growing!<\/p>\n
4) Irrigate<\/h1>\n