Planting a vegetable garden delivers far-reaching benefits, including better savings, and improved health of your family.
It is an excellent way to enjoy inexpensive and fresh vegetables and fruits. You will also get an opportunity to interact and get close to nature.
Moreover, when growing your vegetables, you have the complete control of how you want them grown to ensure that they are natural and organic.
Along with that, working in a garden is an excellent way to relieve stress and refresh your mind.
However, your vegetable garden’s success and efficiency will depend on how you start the whole process.
Thus, it is essential to learn how to dig your first vegetable garden to ensure success in this endeavor.
In this article, you will learn how to dig your first vegetable garden:
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1. Pick Your Plot
If it is your first time cultivating a garden, it is wise to start with a small part.
Keep in mind that your garden will require to be cultivated, weeded, watered, and maintained. So, only prepare a portion that is manageable for you and your schedule.
For instance, you can pick a plot of about 8 by 8 feet. Such a plot will provide plenty of space to work with.
You should also ensure that you choose an area with access to a water source, sunlight, and is free from high winds. The site should also have moist and well-drained soil.
2. Find the Right Garden Tools
Once you have picked the plot that you plan to garden, you will need to gather some essential garden tools for digging.
When choosing and purchasing the right garden tools, it’s prudent to consider the materials and quality.
Some of the tools you need to dig your garden include a round-tipped shovel for digging, fork for soil turning, and steel bow rake for leveling.
When buying the shovel, ensure, you choose a strong and durable one. A poorly made shovel may break soon as you start working with it.
To find the best shovel, you need to do some research on different types of shovels and compare them before making a purchase.
3. Start Digging
You have already identified the area you plan to garden, and you have the tools needed. Now, it’s time to start digging.
Use your shovel to dig and create equal sections in your plot in a grid pattern.
Then use the fork to lift the sod from each section created and unload the soil.
Distribute and level up any low areas in each section using a steel bow rake, and ensure there are no low areas in the plot.
If you want to discourage weeds and grass from encroaching, you can put a plastic edging around the plot.
Then use a round-tipped shovel or a fork to dig and turn the soil. You should ensure that you dig deep, approximately 18-24 inches.
Remove the rocks, roots, or debris, leveling the soil up and leaving it aerated and ready for planting.
4. Spread Organic Material
Once the soil is clean and well turned, spread organic material about two inches over the soil.
The organic material can be compost or well-rotted manure.
After you are done spreading the organic material, use a rake to level the surface well until you achieve an even and well-textured sections.
Conclusion
Growing vegetables and fruits in your yard may not be as simple as it seems. You want to dig the garden well and prepare it adequately to ensure that nothing fails to grow.
If you follow the above steps, you are assured of digging your first vegetable garden successfully and get it ready for planting.
