New Garden Bed Checklist
Everything to tick off when starting a new garden bed — from clearing the ground to mulching after planting.
Plan & prepare
- Choose the spot — note sun hours and drainage
- Mark out the bed shape and size
- Clear weeds, grass and debris
- Test soil type (clay, sandy, loam) and pH
- Improve soil with compost or aged manure
- Dig over or no-dig layer, then rake level
Plant
- Set plants out (still in pots) to check spacing
- Dig holes twice the width of the rootball
- Water plants in their pots before planting
- Plant at the same depth as the pot
- Firm soil gently and water in well
Finish & maintain
- Mulch 5–7 cm deep, keeping clear of stems
- Add labels or a planting map
- Set up watering for the first few weeks
- Note feeding and pruning dates