How to Get Started

String
Small sticks or dowels
Trowel or dibble
Seedlings
Fertilizer
Water

Before planting the bed, prepare the soil by digging at least 8-12 inches and turning over shovelfuls to loosen and aerate it. Add in organic matter, such as compost or manure. The more organic matter you mix in, the better.

Then run lines of string to establish a grid. The grid will help you position young plants at the proper distance from one another.

Use a trowel or dibble to dig holes for transplant-sized vegetables. Gently remove the seedling from its container, then grasp the leaves to guide it while supporting the root ball.

Set the plant in the hole at the same depth at which it was growing in its container. Firm the soil gently over the roots around the stem. This will help put the roots in contact with the soil.

Make evenly spaced depressions in the soil with your finger if you are planting seeds. Be sure to follow the recommendations on the seed packet to know how deep to make the depressions.

Water well. For transplants, apply a gentle shower using a watering can or hose-end sprayer. For seeds, use the lightest setting on a hose-end sprayer to avoid disturbing the soil.