Prep Your Garden to Thrive

You may not know exactly what to plant yet, but now is the perfect time to prepare your garden site. Once your group has reached consensus on where the garden will be, the next step is to get the area ready for planting. This is a great opportunity to post on social media, invite volunteers, and organize a community workday. Bringing people together early not only builds momentum, it also helps foster a shared sense of ownership and excitement.

Site preparation involves several key decisions. Start by clearing any debris and observing your site's natural conditions. How much sunlight does it get? What’s the drainage like? Is water access nearby? These factors help you practice the principle of “right plant, right place,” ensuring each plant’s light and moisture needs are met without unnecessary struggle. This kind of intentional planning makes your garden more resilient and easier to maintain.

You’ll also want to choose whether to till the soil or use a no-till approach. While tilling may seem like a fast way to break ground, it disrupts soil structure, harms beneficial organisms, and brings dormant weed seeds to the surface—often creating more weeding in the long run. A no-till layering or smothering method—such as laying down cardboard and covering it with mulch, compost, or other organic matter—is a gentler and more sustainable way to prepare your bed. Though it takes longer to break down (ideally starting a few months before planting), it enriches soil health, supports microbial life, and suppresses weeds naturally.

If your site or community has limited mobility or poor soil conditions, consider building raised beds. Raised beds can be constructed to suit the space and can make gardening more accessible to people with disabilities, older adults, or anyone who has difficulty bending or kneeling. They're also great for controlling soil quality and drainage.

Whether your plans are big or small, your garden will grow in proportion to the energy and care your community invests. Preparing the site now sets the stage for a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable garden. Use this time to get organized, get your hands dirty, and build something beautiful together.

From Share Space and Start a New Garden