How to Prepare the Garden with Sod Compost and Black Plastic

Planting a vegetable or flower garden is both challenging and rewarding because it takes research, preparation and execution. Putting black plastic mulch in during the preparation can make long-term maintenance easier. Black plastic under the garden restricts weed growth throughout, and keeps soil warm and moist for the plants. Prepare your soil with organic compost first, then lay out the plastic and plant.

Garden fork
Sod compost
Fertilizer
Scissors/knife
Bricks/rocks/landscape staples

Instructions

- 1
  Add black plastic mulch to your spring soil preparation schedule. Dig into and amend the soil first, since you won't have access after you put the plastic down. Dig up the top 6 to 10 inches of soil to break the soil and aerate it.
- 2
  Lay 3 to 5 inches of sod compost or general organic compost on top of the site. Use a garden fork to turn the compost into your tilled soil to give the garden a rich, fertile and moist growing foundation. Add 1 lb. of 13-13-13 fertilizer per 100 square feet, and turn the fertilizer into the top 4 inches of soil. Water the site for half an hour to help the soil and fertilizer settle, and to prepare the soil for planting.
- 3
  Roll your black plastic strips out over the site and cut them to fit. Use rocks, bricks or landscape staples to secure the strips of plastic at their edges and ends.
- 4
  Cut the plastic mulch with a knife or scissors for planting. Create 3- to 5-inch strips for the plants. Use plant-specific guidelines for spacing.

Compost with a Vinegar Smell

Is it Good to Put Mulch Around Your Vegetable Garden?

Soil