Being Prepared is More Than a Scout Motto

A garden site is often prepped by having sod removed and surfaces leveled. Our first activity is to spread a layer of compost on the soil’s surface to enrich the existing soil. We top the compost with several inches of shredded mulch. The mulch retains moisture while helping prevent weed seeds from receiving sunlight and sprouting.

By referring to the design, the plants are placed on top of the mulch. As we plant each specimen, we quickly slide the mulch away from the place where the plant will be inserted, and dig through the compost and into the soil with our Hori Hori knives.

When the hole is the proper depth for each plant, we place the plant in the hole, making sure the roots are loose enough to accept moisture and nutrients, and to make their way through the existing soil to get established.