How & What We Need to Plant a Garden

A garden hoe is important for leveling out the garden soil.

A small area of a yard can be made into a basic flower or vegetable garden with just a few tools and a little preparation. Always read the seed packet or the seedling tag for specific planting instructions. Many seeds can go directly into the ground, others will need to grow indoors for a month or so prior to planting. Paying attention to the specific needs of plants will help to ensure a thriving garden.

Determining the Planting Area

Choose an area that receives a full day of sunlight. Most vegetable plants and many flowering plants need a full day of sunlight to thrive. You will need four stakes, a hammer and twine to mark of the planting area. Hammer one stake into each corner of the planting area. Tie the twine to one stake, wrap it around the other three stakes, and finish by tying it to the original stake. The area inside the twine is now the planting area. Pull out all weeds and vegetation, by hand, in this area.

Tilling the Soil

Turn over the top 6 to 9 inches of soil inside the planting area. Use a garden shovel or rototiller for this task. If the planting area is extremely large, choose a rototiller. Check with local hardware stores for rototiller rental availability. Use a garden rake or hoe to break up any large clumps of soil after tilling. Drag the hoe or rake over the soil to level out the soil in the planting area.

Adding Compost

The addition of compost to the soil adds important nutrients that plants need for growth. If you do not have access to compost, use organic material as a substitute. Rotting leaves, grass clippings and animal manure are all sources of organic material. Spread a 4-inch layer of the organic material or compost on top of the planting area. Use the garden rake or hoe to mix the compost into the top 6 inches of garden soil.

Planting Seeds or Seedlings

Dig a hole that is three times as deep as the width of the seed. Use a small hand shovel or spade for digging. Place the seed into the hole. Backfill the hole with a loose layer of soil, do not pack the soil on top of the seed. To plant seedlings, dig a hole the depth of the seedling's root system. Place the seedling into the hole, and fill the empty areas of the hole with soil. Water the soil well after planting seeds or seedlings.

References

• Iowa State University Extension: Planting a Home Vegetable Garden
• University of Illinois Extension: Soil Preparation