Vegetables rely on healthy soil to flourish. Although creating the bed for planting takes some effort, regular maintenance will ensure your garden remains in top condition year after year.
Organic matter should be added as soon as possible; this will benefit all types of soil. Furthermore, adding it will stop weeds from competing for moisture, nutrients and root space in the soil.
Preparing the Site
Raised garden beds make gardening simpler by alleviating soil compaction and adding organic matter, while existing beds can benefit from adding compost as a top-dressing. Simply spread it across the top and till into large chunks; be careful not to disturb existing plants by uprooting them! Spread most of it over existing ones instead, working around existing plants while leaving most of it atop where it will do most good. Test the moisture content by squeezing a handful; if it dissipates quickly then work is needed; otherwise start planting right away!
Check the temperature of the soil; most vegetables require warm conditions in order to germinate and grow successfully.
Tilling the Soil
A vegetable garden requires healthy soil in which to thrive, along with enough water to stay moist but not saturated, and an environment rich in beneficial microorganisms and earthworms that feed off it – in particular beneficial microbes which work to break down and enrich it further. For optimal results from your garden, improve its soil first before planting any vegetables – an ideal time for this is either early spring or late fall before new growth emerges from their respective seeds.
Start by marking your garden bed’s area using clear lines on the ground or string/lumber to outline it, this makes it easier to find areas requiring tilling later on. Also spread four to five inches deep of compost over your whole area prior to tilling so it gets worked into the soil properly. When using a power tiller it is important not to overtill as overdoing so will compact soil, decreasing its ability to hold air (healthy soil is about 25% air).
If you are tending an existing vegetable bed, begin by clearing away any weeds and pulling up any remaining vegetables; compost any diseased leaves before disposing of them responsibly. Rake the entire area to collect any debris such as leaves, twigs, branches and grass clippings that have collected over time.
As soon as you’re ready to dig, work systematically over all surfaces of the bed by digging and turning over soil layers systematically in order to incorporate reserve topsoil and aged compost that you have prepared – this method of double digging makes your new vegetable bed more conducive for root crops such as carrots.
Avoid overworking the soil as this will reduce its pore space – healthy soil should have approximately 25%. Furthermore, never work wet soil – compacting will suffocate plant roots and soil organisms alike!
Amending the Soil
An ideal soil begins with healthy, vibrant soil that’s packed full of essential nutrients. When amending the soil for growing vegetables, be sure to do it according to both test results and their unique requirements.
Amending soil amendment is key for increasing fertility, improving water retention and strengthening structure in garden beds. Organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure or shredded leaves should be added as it boosts microbial life in soil while simultaneously increasing moisture retention capacity.
Fall is the optimal time to amend soil, as this allows the amendments to break down over the winter and be fully integrated with the soil in spring. Furthermore, conducting a soil test in fall allows us to identify any deficiencies before they worsen in summer heat.
If your soil lacks in phosphorus, bone meal can help increase levels and benefit both vegetables and the surrounding landscape during their development. Take this easy step before planting to maximize results!
Another easy step is adding an organic acidifier such as agricultural limestone or dolomite lime to each planting hole or bed – this will change the pH balance and help alleviate any deficiencies found during soil testing.
Apart from basic soil amendments, you can mix in other natural fertilizers to promote growth and control weeds in your garden. Worm castings offer nutrients while simultaneously suppressing weeds – an excellent alternative to chemical products for those without access to a compost pile or looking for natural ways of controlling them.
One way to improve soil is to incorporate a layer of compost annually. This can be applied manually or using a garden tiller, and should be mixed into the top 6-8 inches of the soil to boost nutrient levels while simultaneously helping prevent erosion and making weeding easier.
Covering the Bed
Garden bed covers provide an effective solution to extend the growing season and protect vegetables from animals that might otherwise disturb them, especially cucurbits (cucumbers and squash), brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale; as well as root crops like carrots and beets.
Layering newspapers over a new garden bed before planting is an effective way to kill existing weeds and grass quickly and effectively. By blocking light, newspapers decompose over winter, adding organic matter back into the soil that enriches it further. In an existing bed that needs prepped, removing vegetation before covering with cardboard will also help kill existing weeds effectively.
Your choice of material for both a garden bed frame and cover should depend on what will be planted there as well as for how long. If pest control is your main goal, something with hinges could provide easier access; alternatively lightweight row covers known as Reemay allow 30-50% light through.
Build your own garden bed cover using either a PVC pipe frame or metal one for greater strength. If you live in an area prone to strong winds, make sure your cover is secured to its frame otherwise it could blow away and get lost!
Wood can create a natural-looking cover made from recycled materials, and frames painted or stained with water-based paints help protect its ecological value and structure. However, you should avoid older “recovered” wood from pallets or railroad ties that has been treated with creosote and CCA (chromated copper arsenate).
If you’re starting from scratch with your garden, the lasagna gardening method may help get it ready to plant more quickly. It involves layering organic wastes on top of soil. Start with cardboard at the base to keep weeds at bay before layering green waste such as grass clippings and straw which can then be turned over when planting starts.