The Best Way to Mark Areas for Planting

Overview

The first step in starting a new garden bed, or replanting an annual bed in spring, is deciding on the placement of each new plant. Most vegetables are planted in rows, while flowers may be planted in clusters or sections inside a larger design. The best way to mark your beds is one that is easily removed after planting so that the focus returns to the plants and not your lines, but markings shouldn't be disturbed or covered during the sowing process.

Step 1

Read the plant tag or seed envelope for spacing and row requirements. Push a garden stake into the ground along either side of the bed to mark each row, spacing them as directed on the plant tag.

Step 2

Tie one end of a length of jute twine to one stake. Stretch the twine across the bed and tie it to the opposite stake to mark a row. Continue using the twine to mark each row of the bed.

Step 3

Make a furrow beneath each length of twine for seed sowing. Drag the tip of your hoe's handle through the soil, following the length of the twine. Make the furrow as deep as the recommended sowing depth on the seed envelope.

Step 4

Leave the twine in place until seedlings emerge from the sown seeds. The twine reminds you where each seed is planted and allows you to weed between rows prior to the germination of your seeds.

Step 5

Plant seedlings directly beneath the twine, following the spacing along the rows indicated on the plant tag. Remove the twine once you are done planting the seedlings.