Choose a location

Choose a location with the fundamental requirements for the plants you plan to grow. This usually means good exposure to direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours a day, a sufficient drainage to help keep the soil from becoming waterlogged. Also, consider possible pests that may visit your garden.

Sample the soil material

Basic soils can be sand, sandy loam, loam, loamy clay and clay. The clay soils do not drain well, sandy soils allow too much water to drain, and will need to be heavily composted. It may be advisable to add lime to adjust the acid level the specific plants require.

Plan the garden layout

Allowing room for plants to spread out, vine or bush as they mature. Watermelons, cucumbers and squash require lots of space, where onions, radishes and beets can be grown in smaller spaces. Give yourself room to work and room for the plants to grow.

Strip off overgrowth

Remove weeds, grasses and other materials to the clean ground. These can go in the compost pile for later use.

Turn the soil

Using a shovel or motor driven rotary tiller as deep as you can. Remember, the roots of your plants will extend deep in the ground to find nutrients and moisture and by digging or tilling, you can loosen the material so they can. Remove any large stones or rocks as you work, along with roots or debris.

Add soil amendments

Adding soil amendments, will help you determine if you need to balance the PH of the soil and condition it to support good plant growth. This may mean adding compost or topsoil to sand, or sand to heavy clay.

Smooth soil

Smooth soil with a rake, evening out low and high spots.

Fertilise the soil

 

Based on the plants need, too much nitrogen can cause wonderful foliage but no fruit.

Turn the soil and mix

Mix and turn the soil thoroughly one more time after all the amendments have been added. Allow the soil to rest for several days, and keep it moist if possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Climbing plants

Install fences for climbing plants, raise beds where they are helpful, lay out your rows and plant!