How to Prepare Raised Beds for Spring Planting

Prepare raised beds by removing debris, adding 2-4 inches of compost, loosening compacted soil, and testing pH levels before planting season begins.

1. Strip the Bed Clean. Remove all dead plant material, fallen leaves, and weeds from your raised beds. Pull weeds by hand or use a hoe for stubborn ones. Don't compost diseased plant material - throw it away to prevent spreading problems to your new crops.
2. Know Your Soil First. Use a simple soil test kit to check pH levels and nutrient content. Most vegetables prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil between 6.0-7.0 pH. Add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it if needed. This step should be done 4-6 weeks before planting to give amendments time to work.
3. Feed the Soil Rich. Spread 2-4 inches of quality compost or well-aged manure across the entire bed surface. This replenishes nutrients that last year's plants used up and improves soil structure. Avoid fresh manure as it can burn plant roots.
4. Break Ground Gently. Use a garden fork to gently turn the top 6-8 inches of soil, mixing in your compost. Don't work wet soil - it should crumble in your hand, not stick together in clumps. Compacted soil prevents proper root growth and water drainage.
5. Perfect the Planting Bed. Rake the bed smooth and level, breaking up any large clumps of soil. Create shallow furrows for drainage if your area receives heavy spring rains. The surface should be even but not packed down tight.
6. Border and Protect. Place a 2-3 inch layer of straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves around the outside edges of your raised bed. This suppresses weeds and creates clean walking paths. Keep mulch away from the planting area itself.