How to start a new garden bed?

Cindy Kemnitz
by Cindy Kemnitz

Its been so long since ive had to establish a new garden stop. I need a refresher course please. I will be using existing dirt potting soil & real goat manure for fertilizing. When to put this on is my big question

  7 answers
  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Feb 24, 2019

    now mix it in soil top 6-8" so it can sit for next month of more til may when you get new garden up & running. you don't say where you live,hot,cold,dry, wet?

    • Cindy Kemnitz Cindy Kemnitz on Feb 25, 2019

      In wisconsin. So who knows what weather is. I can get mamure that has sat for awhile too

    • Cindy Kemnitz Cindy Kemnitz on Feb 25, 2019

      Thank you your blog was very informative. Im lucky i have access to chicken goat & llama manure at all times. I appreciate you answeribg my question

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Feb 25, 2019

    Put it in as soon as the ground is workable. Till it in good, since you are using fresh manure you will have to wait to plant or you may burn the roots since the fresh manure is so strong. When I use sterilized manure that I purchase, I have never had a problem planting right away with that.

  • Cindy Kemnitz Cindy Kemnitz on Feb 25, 2019

    I do have access to older manure that has sat during winter. Which do you think is better. Ive always had gardens & just put the manure in before winter

    • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Feb 25, 2019

      take the older as long as it does have weed seeds in it, just mix it in soil now you still have a 2 months til it's warm enuf to garden---Gardening rule don't plant til after Mothers Day. you don't need much the snow & moisture will break it down get xtra and start a compost pile so you can add more this fall adding coffee grounds and crushed egg shells too if ground is soft enuf just turn it over every 4 days or so with shovel if you have tiller even better mix it all up tilling 3 times or 4 before you plant.

  • Debbie Harris Debbie Harris on Sep 28, 2020

    Start at the beginning. Question 1. Is your garden in ground, in a raised bed, or in pots or bails?

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    • Debbie Harris Debbie Harris on Oct 02, 2020

      If you are mixing in new soil make sure it is for In-Ground gardens. Mix your manure and make sure you keep it tended (keep the weeds from getting big and over growing) until you are ready to plant. Question #2. What do you intend to plant? IE; flowers, vegetables etc. Question #3. Will you plant organic or will you use pesticides. Also first sign of any ants or other insects, treat with soap and water, which still allows you to decide the future of your garden.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Oct 02, 2020

    If you choose fresh manure, work it in well this fall to plant in spring. Fresh manure will kill new plants because it is strong so it needs time to mature. You are so lucky to have access to manure at your property.