Improving your SOIL in a beginner garden

Another very important consideration before you begin is the condition of your soil.

If you're ripping up your grass, notice if you have grubs or worms.

Earthworms are great and vital to any healthy garden so if you see them you know you've picked a great spot.

Grubs suck...the life out of your plant that is. If you see them, consider some heavy fertilizing through composting or natural pesticides if you notice dying brown spots on your grass from where the grubs were.

I'll talk more about beneficial/harmful pests later in the growing season, you don't need to worry so much about them right now.

Clear your soil of weeds and other debris, such as rocks, sticks, etc., and rake the surface smooth. Work the soil with a tiller or other appropriate garden tool. 

Carrots won't grow straight with rocks in your dirt

Make sure your soil has good drainage, to wet and nothing will grow!

Organic matter within the soil is vital for healthy vegetable gardens. If your soil does not contain sufficient amounts of organic material, then you will have to work some into it using compost. Compost helps improve texture, fertility, and drainage of the soil and must be worked in at least 2 weeks prior to planting. Learn more about composting here.

After the soil in your desired location has been properly worked, you are ready to begin planting your vegetable garden.