DIY Network

Sod Removal and Soil Prep Sod Removal and Soil Prep From "Fresh from the Garden" episode DFFG-102

	Bow rakes, like the one shown here, work well in preparing soil for garden beds.
	Basic garden hoes are ideal for breaking up especially stubborn roots ....

Garden beds are a great way to lay out a vegetable garden. The first step in building them? Clearing the space and preparing the soil....

Tools/Materials

Sod cutter
Tiller
Pitchfork or garden fork
Shovel
Cordless drill
Circular Saw
Framing Square
Pencil
3" Galvanized Wood screws
2" x 12" lumber, 4 pieces per raised planter box
Rake
Hoe

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Steps:

1. The first step is to set the depth of the cutting blade on the sod cutter following the manufacturer's instructions (figure A). Start the cutter. To operate the machine walk behind it, making sure to cut right up against the previous strip so that you won't miss any grass. A sod cutter is a fast and efficient way to remove grass and weeds from your garden plot because it cuts the roots rather than the stems. By cutting the roots, it's much more difficult for the grass to grow back. Continue cutting strips until all of the grass in the garden is loose. If you rent a sod cutter, be sure to get specific instructions for the model you're renting. Also, be sure to wear heavy boots or shoes to protect your feet and safety glasses to protect your eyes.

2. Remove all of the rolls of sod from the area so that the weeds won't come back in the garden. You definitely want to compost garden waste since it makes great mulch and fertilizer, but in the case of weeds it's better to discard them. It takes a long time for weed seeds to break down and you don't want them to grow in your compost pile since you'll be using the compost in the garden later on.

3. Till the soil. Start the tiller according to the manufacturer's instructions. Walk behind the tiller and let the weight of the tiller sink the tines into the ground. Several passes through the area are needed to get the soil loose and turned over (figure B). If you rent a tiller, be sure to get the safety instructions on its use. Tillers are helpful garden tools, because they're powerful, so be sure to use them carefully. Tilling is an excellent way to break up hard, compacted soil. The tines of the tiller stir up the soil making tiny air pockets that plant roots need to grow. Tilling is also a great way to mix amendments into a new garden plot, especially if the soil is clay.

Wear boots, safety goggles, gloves and ear protection when using a tiller.