How to Grow More Vegetables

Remove the soil from the upper part of the first trench

and place it in a soil storage area for use in making

compost and flat soil or to return to the last trench.

4. Loosen the soil an additional 12 inches.
   OPTIONAL (ONE TIME): Spread a ½-inch layer of
   compost on the loosened soil of the first trench.


5. Dig out the upper part of the second trench and move
   it forward into the first upper trench.


6. Loosen the lower part of the second trench.


7. Continue the double-digging process (repeating steps
   7 and 8) for the remaining trenches. Rake every 3 to 4
   trenches to ensure even bed height.


8. Fill in the final trench. Shape the bed by raking it.
   Evenly spread compost and any needed fertilizers over
   the entire area. Sift in compost and any fertilizers 2 to
   4 inches deep with a spading fork. Your bed is ready
   to be transplanted!

TYPES OF DEEP SOIL PREPARATION

Simplified Side Views

Ecology Action uses 4 basic types of deep soil
preparation processes:

• the initial double-dig, shown below


• the basic ongoing double-dig, shown below


• the complete texturizing double-dig, shown below


• the U-bar dig, shown here