Step 2:

Preparing your plot

This will also be done as a group. The plots will be tilled up by student workers forming rows. Each plot consists of two of these rows. Compost which is provided for us will be mixed into each plot. This is done by adding buckets of compost to your rows and using a shovel to incorporate it into the soil.

Step 3:

Planting seeds and transplants

Using the plot design you created you will plant each seed and transplant. Each seed is planted differently depending on the type of plant. Dr. Novak will explain how each seed and transplant is to be planted. See Planting Guide for list of plant spacing and method. Try to mark where you have planted each seed as you go so you will not mistake the sprouting vegetable for a weed. Seeds and transplants will be provided for us by Dr. Novak on the pretense that as a group we prepare transplants for the annual plant sale put on by Dr. Novak and the Holistic Garden.

Step 4:

Mulching

Mulching well is extremely important. Your garden must stay weed free in order for it to thrive and without large amounts of mulch this will be almost impossible. Mulching is one of the most time consuming parts of gardening so it will most likely have to be finished in your own time. Mulch will be provided along with the compost. After you have finish planting your seeds and transplants add  one to two inches of compost, being sure to leave a generous hole around where you planted your seeds, along the top of your row. The seeds will not be able to sprout if they are covered by the compost and mulch. Next lay down newspaper along the sides and between your rows, being sure to overlap the edges of the paper by at least 2 inches, this will insure no weeds can sprout up between the pages. The last step is to add at least one to two inches of hay on top of the news-papered and composted areas again leaving a hole around where your seeds are planted. Be sure that your irrigation hose is underneath the mulch and or else your plants may not get enough water.

Newspaper Tips:

Do not use glossy pages or adds the inks may be toxic to your plants. 

You will want to put newspaper down at the same time as the mulch so the paper does not fly away. If it is a particularly windy day try wetting the paper slightly as you lay it down so it will stick to the dirt.

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