Gardening Tips Back to Our .: Garden Center:.   How to Start a Garden   1. Locate Your Garden Plot • Choose an area that gets at least 6 hours of sun • Look for a level area with good drainage • For areas with rocks, sand or other soil problems, consider growing in a raised bed 2. Clear the Area • Use a pitch fork to turn over the soil • For large garden plots, consider renting a tiller • Clear the tilled soil of all grass, rocks, and roots 3. Nourish the Soil • Add organic, dehydrated cow manure and shellfish compost in equal parts • Spread manure and compost across top of soil • Use a pitch fork to turn into the soil well 4. Fertilize • Use our own chicken manure to fertilize the soil before planting • Turn into the soil well • Our chicken manure is completely organic and is used right on our own fields 5. Planting • Hardened off seedlings such as lettuces, kale, peas and parsley can be planted in early Spring • Plant tender seedlings outdoors well after the threat of frost has passed, including tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant • Use salt marsh hay or plastic mulch between rows to deter weeds   Window Box or Container Gardens 1. Good Drainage • Use a container with bottom holes • 1" to 2" rocks at the bottom 2. Healthy Soil • Fill container with high quality potting soil 3. Planting • Plant container-friendly seedlings • Water with nutrient mix