My first stab at an organic garden

[Rachael]

After grass has died and you are left with that yucky dry dirt...whats the first step in getting it garden ready? I'm clueless

[Trey]

I would like to know the same... our current plan is to dig out the dirt about 9-12 inches, and then put down a mix of soil and compost.. then I heard you want to wait a few days for the sun to dry out the compost so it's not too wet. Plant seeds from there. We are starting in the next couple of weeks too!

for being gardening buddies!

[harrisonsdream]

i'm not much help but good luck, we are going to try organic garden in raised beds since my backyard is essentially a hill

[Trey]

Originally Posted by harrisonsdream i'm not much help but good luck, we are going to try organic garden in raised beds since my backyard is essentially a hill

I've heard great things about raised beds too!

But we are doing in ground because we have an area that is already set up with sprinklers....

[rcwant2be]

remove sod
till/loosen soil
enrich with compost (mixing well so you get a good blend)
so long as the soil isn't sopping wet, which it shouldn't be, plant

& be sure you've picked a spot that gets lots of sun. i saw people planting a garden in the shade once. not good.

technically speaking, i believe there is a waiting period between last use of pesticides & organic designation, so if you've ever treated your lawn with anything, you garden may not yet be technically organic.


eta: rileysmom, i wouldn't dig up 9-12". that's way to deep. more like 8" is fine.