The Birth of a Flower Bed

I’ve a new house and new yard and, though it’s still March, I’m dying to start planting and getting my hands in the dirt. To that end, I’m preparing new flower beds alongside my front walk in anticipation of the time–just a few weeks–when I can start filling them with candytuft, lavender, and irises.

To make sure that your plants have the best home possible, it’s useful to double dig the bed–that is turn the soil over twice. That aerates the soil and makes it an optimal environment for growing. Adding compost as you turn the earth the second time is also useful.

If your bed is going to be used for vegetables, use only organic (plant-based) compost and let the bed “rest” at least seven days before planting.

Ah, spring!

(photo credit: S. Mitchell)