In the second article of our Growing: The Foundation of Healthy Eating Series will we be making our first steps in our garden by preparing the site for the season. Aiming for a generous harvest, we will take plan from our guide to Planning Your Garden and get our new garden site ready in three simple steps:

In order to prepare a new site we must make sure that the soil we are planting in contains the correct properties for growing. In doing so, the plants will not be limited in their growth during the season. This will give us a plentiful harvest, filling our plates and cupboards. Whether you will be planting in open soil, a raised bed or in a container, these general preparations are common to all types.

Step 1: Testing the Soil

There are many properties a plant requires from its soil to thrive. A soil test is the first step toward providing your plants with healthy soil by determining the amount of nutrients and the pH value in the soil. Testing can be done in a couple ways. Home test kits can be purchased or you can contact your local state testing facility. These testing facilities are usually an extension of your state’s university and provide accurate unbiased results. Typically most facilities charge under $10. Based on the information from your standard soil test, fertilizer and lime recommendations may be made for the plants you are growing.

Step 2: Clearing the Site

The next step to preparing a new site for a healthy garden requires to removal of anything that will interfere and limit the growth of your plants. First, remove all existing plant life from the area you wish to use to grow on and near. We recommend that you put aside any organic material. It will make lovely fertilizer when composted. If time is available let it decay on site. It is important to remove foliage and watch for growth thoroughly in order to prevent future weed problems. Herbicides may also be used to kill existing foliage if time is limited.

Step 3: Cultivating the Soil

Once all undergrowth and existing life has been removed, make the basic nutrient and pH adjustments indicated by your soil test. After the adjustments have been made, cultivate the soil. To cultivate soil use a shovel, spade or appropriate tools for larger applications to dig up and turn over the soil. This process loosens the soil, allowing nutrients and water to flow through it. When tilling make sure the soil retains correct moisture content. Correct moisture content is indicated if the soil falls apart freely. Soil too wet will stick and clump and too dry will be light and powder like. Working wet soil will generate a layer of compacted soil, inhibiting root growth, and should be avoided. In established gardens tilling can be damaging. It can cause soil compaction, cause layers of coarse organic material to be buried below the zone where insects and microbes break it down and could upset the balances of microorganisms.

Final Preparations

As everything comes together and your site begins to take on the shape of a garden ready for plating you make want to recheck your soil. This will ensure that proper levels and pH has been met. Replace or apply organic material if the soil is lacking and you will be ready for planting.