MAKE YOUR BED

1. Add 2-3 inches of compost and turn it into the bed.

2. Work the soil when it is moist, but not wet.

3. Turn the soil over to a depth of at least 12 inches.

4. Top dress with another layer of compost to keep down weeds and preserve moisture.

PREPPING SOIL Adding organic matter in the form of compost and aged manure, or using mulch or growing cover crops (green manures), is the best way to prepare soil for planting. Adding chemical fertilizers will replenish only certain nutrients and do nothing for maintaining good, friable soil.