How to Prepare a Raised Garden Bed for Winter

In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook puts a vegetable garden to bed for winter.

Steps:

1. Remove all debris and dead leaves from the garden bed with a spade fork and garden rake. Use a wheelbarrow to move the debris to the compost pile.

2. Spread 2 inches of compost over the garden bed with the rake.

3. Sprinkle ground limestone over the bed to raise the pH of the soil to an acceptable level (about 6.8). Lightly work the limestone into the soil with a spade fork.

4. Spread winter rye seed over the garden bed, then rake it into the soil.

5. Water the garden bed everyday for three straight days.

6. Come spring, use a rotary tiller or spade fork to turn the rye grass into the soil.