- 1). Get a soil analysis and follow the recommendations for adding soil amendments at least one month before planting your home garden.
- 2). Turn the soil gently and work 2 to 3 inches of compost into the top 6 inches of soil. Rake the soil level and add water to moisten the soil before planting.
- 3). Remove transplants from their containers by loosening the soil in the container and gentle tipping the container over to allow the plant to free itself. Do not pull the plant out of the container by its leaves or stem. Place the transplant into a hole equal to its container depth and firm soil around the plant by compressing the soil with a trowel.
- 4). Plant seeds at a depth three times the size of the seed. Cover with soil and press gently with the trowel to ensure that seeds are in contact with the soil.
- 5). Check the moisture in the soil around the plants weekly in the spring and fall and every three days in the summer. If the soil is dry at one inch below the surface, add water.
- 6). Check the plants every two to three days for signs of disease or pests. Curled leaves, dried leaves or leaves with holes indicate insect damage. Problems with fungus may be present as yellow leaves or colored spots on leaves. Treat immediately with appropriate chemical or natural products.
- 7). Remove weeds that compete with garden plants for water and nutrition weekly. Harvest vegetables as soon as they ripen to promote new crop production.
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