Gardening with Hank - Creating Rows

To start a garden plot, you need to dig out the basic garden path and throw the dirt onto the area where the garden bed will be. Then, measure out the pathways on the ground using a tape measure and string.

Putting newspaper down in the garden helps to keep the weeds down and also prevents the straw from disappearing too quickly into the soil. It provides a barrier to weed growth and allows for easier maintenance.

Adding organic matter to the soil before planting is essential. In this case, composted steer manure is used to amend the soil. It helps improve soil structure and nutrient content, providing a favorable environment for plant growth.

After adding the soil amendment, use a fork or shovel to roughly stir it into the soil. This helps to distribute the organic matter and mix it with the existing soil.

After mixing in the soil amendment, use a rake to smooth the soil and break up any large dirt clods. Try to make the bed as flat as possible, as a flat surface holds water better. Once it is leveled, the bed is ready to be planted.