Monday,  June 02, 2014 • Vol. 16--No. 319 • 7 of 33

(Continued from page 6)

vegetables. The simplest method is to use some twine and a couple stakes. Put one stake at each end of the row and pull the twine tight. Then use a hoe to make a furrow, following the twine between the two stakes. When you are done, move both stakes over the desired amount then make the next row. This method works well but can be rather time consuming.
•An alternative method is to make a row marker by bolting cultivating shovels or similar stiff piece of metal, to a 2-inch-by-4-inch or larger piece of wood, spaced out at the row width you want. I made mine to work with my rototiller, allowing some extra room for plants on each side of the rototiller tines. Then add a handle and some

braces and you are ready to make multiple rows at a time. The one I made makes four rows the first time you use it. Then I turn around and put the outside shovel in the last row and use it as a guide to make three new rows, next to the first ones.
•It works really well if the soil is freshly tilled and not hard or too rocky. The only real problem I have with mine is that it is too big and heavy. It is a real chore to pull it across the garden but then again, I just made four rows at one time, so I accomplish quite a bit each time. I take a break from making rows to plant the ones I just made before making more.
•Only make as many rows as you need at one time so that you can plant into a freshly made row that will have nice moist soil in it.
•Follow the seed label for planting instructions for each of the different vegetables you are planting. Larger seed, like peas and corn can be covered with a garden rake about an inch deep after planting. Smaller seed should only be covered with about ¼-inch to ½-inch of soil so don't overdo it.

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