Year Two

1. Obtain soil tests
2. If spring is late or cold, solarize the beds with clear plastic to warm them up
3. Purchase good quality commercial compost (this should be the only time this is necessary) and spread in a layer across the beds
4. Add other (organic) amendments if necessary
5. Plant, as per individual gardener preferences.  New gardeners should stick to easy-to-grow plants
6. Use minimal-till methods, such as growing potatoes under straw
7. Apply mulch (compost, straw, etc) between plants to protect exposed soil, conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds
8. Plant trees, shrubs and perennials as they become available.  Keep these beds heavily mulched
9. Control weeds by hand
10. Obtain supplies of wood chips, straw and other materials
11. Harvest root crops gently (minimise soil disturbance)
12. Build a compost pile with available materials
13. Autumn work:
• Mow or flatten leftover vegetable crops (as much as possible, leave plant roots in the soil)
• Apply a layer of straw or hay to the beds
• Collect bagged leaves from around the neighbourhood
14. Celebrate!

Next article:  Ongoing Years