When it comes to a do-it-yourself garden, you want to cover as many bases as possible.  For this reason, you have to be prepared: to plant at the right time, to harvest at the right time, to have the ingredients a good garden will require.  Like most projects, it’s all about the prep work.  To make sure any garden DIY project doesn’t get frostbitten or burned out by summer, follow these easy steps.

1. Choose the right piece of land for the job.  You don’t have to be an expert on gardening to know that whatever you plant will need light and water.  Make sure you can get these to your plot without difficulty.  Also, if the earth does not have good drainage potential, you may have to change your plans.

2. Protect against weeds.  By working with as little space between plants as possible, you will cut out space for weeds to grow.  But be careful: if you don’t leave enough room, your plants could suffocate.

3. Get the soil ready.  You shouldn’t start out with hard soil, as growing plants need to let the roots stretch out below the surface of your garden.  Also, make sure your plants will be well-fed, with a healthy dose of natural fertilizer.

4. Make sure you have established loose soil.  This piece of prep work may be the one that has to be considered the furthest in advance.  Having loose soil for the spring planting should have been prepared starting the previous fall.  Your plants will benefit greatly from loose soil, as natural draining will be easier to achieve.

5. Plan your plots in the order they will come to harvest.  By setting up your plants in order of youngest to first on schedule to mature, you will keep track of the developments and simplify your handiwork as you get accustomed to the tasks involved with garden DIY.  The Do-It-Yourself garden is a fun way to feel great about your home and get in touch with nature at the same time.