Good soil prep is the key to successful gardening. Learn how to prepare a flower bed for planting.
“Make your bed” is one of those statements that we each must have heard a million times as kids. As gardeners though, this simple phrase has a different meaning. “Make your bed” is all about preparing the soil for planting. Every gardener gets excited by the thought of finally getting their hands in the soil. The joy of finally getting to see the flower garden come together in spring is certainly a rewarding experience. However, the key to success starts before the first plant even sees the garden.
The roots of a plant are the foundation on which that plant thrives. Good roots will generally mean that you have a happy, healthy plant that can survive the rigors of spring and summer. A poor root system means your plants cannot grow to their full potential and leaves them vulnerable to damage from insects and disease. The most important factor for good roots is good soil preparation.
If you are a beginning gardener, properly preparing your soil can be daunting. However, there are some easy steps that you can take to get your beds ready to be planted.
There are three basic types of beds you might be preparing (click to jump to that section):
Making a new garden bed from scratch can seem daunting, but with some planning and preparation, it can be a fun and rewarding project. A well-designed garden bed provides an ideal spot to grow flowers, herbs, vegetables, and more. Follow these steps to create a beautiful new bed that will bring joy to your yard for years to come.
Select the Perfect Location
Choosing the right spot is one of the most important steps when starting a new garden bed Consider these factors when deciding on a location
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Sunlight: Most plants need at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Observe sunlight patterns in your yard. South-facing spots tend to be sunniest.
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Soil quality Good drainage and nutrient-rich soil helps plants thrive. Avoid low wet areas. Test your soil if unsure.
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Accessibility: Pick a spot near a water source and pathways for convenient care and harvesting.
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Size: Make sure you have enough space for the plants you want to grow. Start small if you’re a beginner.
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Aesthetics: Position your bed to enhance the yard’s appearance. Use it to accent your landscaping.
Once you’ve selected the perfect spot, mark the area with stakes or a garden hose. Outline the shape you desire.
Clear and Prepare the Site
Now comes the hard work of clearing your new garden area. There are several options for removing grass, weeds and debris:
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Digging: Cut out sod chunks using a shovel or spade. This leaves the most pristine soil but requires labor.
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Smothering: Cover area with cardboard, tarps or layers of newspaper to kill existing vegetation. Takes 2-4 weeks but requires less digging.
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Tilling: Use a power tiller or rototiller to churn up and break apart soil, roots and vegetation. Quick but can harm soil structure.
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Solarizing: Smother area with clear plastic sheets through hot summer months. Uses the sun’s power to sterilize the soil.
Once clear, add 2-3 inches of compost and mix thoroughly into the soil with a shovel or tiller to enrich it. Level and smooth the bed with a rake, removing any debris. Now you have a blank slate for planting!
Build the Frame (Optional)
Adding a frame around your garden bed has multiple benefits. It helps:
- Define the bed’s edges
- Retain soil
- Prevent weeds from encroaching
- Raise the bed height for improved drainage
Use materials like bricks, rocks, landscape timbers, cinder blocks or wood to build the frame. Keep it 6-12 inches above ground level. You can then fill with imported garden soil or amended native soil.
Pick Your Plants
Now for the fun part – selecting plants! Consider:
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Sun and soil needs: Choose plants suited to the site conditions.
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Plant spacing: Allow enough room for plants to grow to maturity. Follow spacing guidelines.
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Design and diversity: Mix flowers, herbs and vegetables. Combine colors, heights and textures for visual interest.
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Pollinators: Include plants that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
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Seasonal interest: Select plants that look good throughout the seasons like bulbs, perennials and shrubs.
Draw your planned layout on paper before purchasing plants. This helps prevent overcrowding.
Plant and Water Thoroughly
Once your plants are home, it’s time to get them in the ground! Follow these tips for success:
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Dig holes: Dig each hole twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s root ball.
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Place plants: Carefully place each plant in its hole, keeping the top of the root ball even with the ground.
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Backfill soil: Fill holes with surrounding soil, pressing gently around roots to remove air pockets.
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Water well: Water until soil is soaked. Don’t skimp on watering newly planted beds.
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Add mulch (optional): A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Provide Ongoing Care
Consistent care keeps your garden bed looking lush and healthy:
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Water: About 1-2 inches per week, adjusting for rain. Water deeply, not frequently.
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Weed: Pull weeds when small to prevent them from spreading. Mulch to smother weeds.
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Fertilize: Use an organic fertilizer, timed per plant needs. Follow label rates.
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Prune: Trim back overgrown plants and remove dead/damaged growth.
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Divide: Split crowded clumping perennials in fall or spring.
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Protect: Use row cover fabric to shield plants from pests, wind and frost.
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Clean up: Cut back dead stalks and foliage in fall. Tidy up beds.
With proper siting, preparation and care, your new DIY garden bed will flourish! Be patient, as it takes time for plants to establish. But before long, you’ll have a beautiful, thriving spot to nurture plants.
Add compost to the bed
In either fall or spring or in both seasons, put a 2 to 3 inch layer of compost on the bed and then turn the compost into the soil. The single best thing you can do for your soil is to consistently add organic material. This will enrich the soil and help you grow better plants.
Once again, you only want to work the soil when it is moist, not wet or dry. To check your soil moisture content pick up a handful of soil and squeeze it.
- If you squeeze out water the soil is too wet to work.
- If the soil stays in a ball in your hand and then breaks apart when tapped, it is perfect.
- If the soil is too dry to form a ball, it is too dry to work.
If you work soil when it is too wet, you will cause it to clump and become compacted. If you work soil when it is too dry, you harm the soil structure. Working soil when it is moist will help maintain good air porosity and soil structure.
EXISTING BEDS WITH PLANTS
The third type of bed is one that already contains some perennials, bulbs and/or shrubs. These beds can be a bit trickier. You cant simply broadcast a thick layer of compost and then turn it under. You will need to be careful when working around the established plants that you dont harm their roots. You do still want to add organic matter. This can be done either in spring or fall, or in both spring and fall.
How to Create a New Garden Bed: Removing Grass, Planting, Watering, and Mulch! | Joshua’s Garden
FAQ
How to establish new garden beds?
- Work the soil when it is moist, but not wet.
- Turn the soil over to a depth of at least 12 inches.
- Add 2-3 inches of compost and turn it into the bed.
- Either cover the bed with a thick (3-4″) layer of mulch or use a weed and feed to help keep weed seeds from germinating.
How do you start a garden bed for beginners?
- Sunlight: Select a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, especially if you plan to grow vegetables or herbs that require full sun.
- Water Access: Ensure easy access to a water source for irrigation.
- Soil: Assess the existing soil. If it’s poor or compacted, consider building raised beds.
How do I prepare ground for a new garden?
Work a two to three inch layer of compost into the soil with a rototiller or shovel at least a month prior to planting. Smooth the surface so that you are ready to plant when the weather is appropriate. Also, consider having the soil in your garden nutrient tested through a certified lab before planting.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a garden bed?
For gardeners starting from scratch with zero tools or skills, building your own beds can end up being the same price or even more expensive. If you want to save money, time, and headaches, buying a premade raised bed is more feasible.
How do you make a new garden bed?
Turn the soil. Use a tiller, spade/shovel, or garden fork to turn the soil over. A spade or shovel may be the best to use for a very new and firm bed. The soil should be damp, but not wet when you are working with it. It should break apart, look moist, and not stick to your tools. If the soil is not moist, you can add water with a garden hose.
How do you build a raised bed?
This 2-foot by 8-foot, 10.5-inch deep raised bed kit comes ready to build. Just slide the side rails into the slotted corner posts and screw the tops in place and your raised bed frame is ready to fill with soil. These kits can also be double-stacked for a 21-inch deep garden. Raised bed garden soil is sold separately.
What does preparing a new garden bed mean?
Preparing your new garden bed means creating a healthy growing environment for your vegetables. Mainly, preparing a new garden bed means preparing the soil. The procedure can be long and exhausting, especially if done manually, but the rewards will be worth it if you take the time to do it right.
How do you frame a raised garden bed?
Use a framing square to make sure the corners are at right angles. If needed, gently tap the boards into place with a rubber mallet until everything lines up. Taking this extra care will pay off, as a well-built frame is key to the stability and durability of your raised garden bed.
Should you build a raised garden bed?
Creating a raised garden bed is a fantastic way to elevate your gardening, providing benefits like better soil quality, improved drainage, and easier upkeep. Whether you’re a gardening pro or just starting, building your own raised garden bed can help you grow healthier plants with less hassle.
How do you build a raised bed without digging?
Here’s how to build a raised bed using a “no dig” method: Mow the grass or weeds as close to the ground as possible. Then, cover the area with cardboard, smothering the grass/weeds, and eventually rot down into the soil. (Make sure you pick off any tape and staples that won’t decompose.)