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1. The first step is to determine where your garden will be. Gardens need to have at least 6 hours of sun per day. I recommend a plot 4' X 8' for the beginner. This size is large enough for some variety, and small enough to be manageable.

2. I like using an above ground approach to gardening. I build a box the size that I need and do all of my gardening within. This means some amount of craftsmanship, on your part. I suggest Lowe's treated wood, 2" X 8", along with stainless screws. This step does not need to be complicated. All you need to do is build a simple rectangle. Fasten the boards together with the screws, and lay your garden outline down on the ground.

3. Once you have built your box, you're ready to start cultivating the soil. In order to know what to add to your soil, you must have a sample analyzed for pH content. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services can do this for you. This process can take 3 to 4 weeks. Cultivating the soil will continue in April.