- 1). Measure your planting area and log the dimensions. If you are not planting in a garden box, use wooden skewers or tongue depressors to mark out the four corners of your planting area. Accurate measurements will help you create a plan for your space.
- 2). Read the back of each seed packet to determine how much space each plant needs. Some plants require more space than others for growth and rooting. For example, carrots have an average spread of about 3 inches, but the average spread for lettuce is 1 foot, according to the University of Arizona. Planting according to space needs is essential in allowing your plants to thrive.
- 3). Draw a grid in pen on a piece of paper to match your planting space. In pencil, estimate where you will place each plant according to the amount of space it requires. Avoid crowding your plants in the space you have, as they will spread out as they grow.
- 4). Insert skewers or tongue depressors into the border of your planting area at equal distances, according to the grid design in your plans. Tie string between parallel skewers to create a coordinating grid in your planting space. This grid will allow you to more accurately recreate your plan, planting seeds and seedlings in the right grid squares.
- 5). Plant your seeds or starter plants according to the guidelines on your paper. Plant one row at a time, referring back to your sketch as you go. Use the string grid as as a guideline for planting to ensure that you follow your plan closely.
- 6). Mark your planting areas to identify what plants are growing where. Remove the sticks and string grid from the garden space.
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