First plan the garden on paper. This plan will help you when you are actually planting. It will save your time and will prevent you from buying extra seeds.

The garden spots are commonly found in two conditions. They can either be covered with rubbish or turf. The ground in large gardens is ploughed and sod is turned below. The sod is however removed in small gardens. Take out the sod carefully. Staking and lining off the garden spot is essential. With the help of the line, you have a straight and accurate course to follow. The edges are to be cut along the line with the help of a spade. This work is much easier if the place is small. A narrow strip is marked and then the sod is removed easily. This could be done in two long strips cut lengthwise of the strip. Cut the turf and roll it like a carpet.

If the garden is large, divide it into foot wide strips. Take off the sod in the similar fashion. The sod should not be thrown away. The sod is full of richness but not much of it is available. Pack the sod and leave it to rot. The sod makes a good fertilizer when it's rotten. Such a pile of rotten vegetable is known as a compost pile. You can add any old green vegetable to this pile. Put autumn leaves in the spring. Mix goodness for another season.

Pick the largest pieces of sod even when the garden is big enough to plough. You should go to the ploughed space. Then pick the sod pieces and shake them. Pack the heap.

Spading is not sufficient for the ground as soil lumps may still be left. You should always break the lumps as you are spade. The ground should be in fine condition for planting.  Small hair root cannot penetrate the large spaces that are left by the large lumps. Seed becomes stranded in waste when it is planted in lumps of soil. It is just like a baby surrounded by huge pieces of beefsteak. Spading will not help in this situation. However rake can help as it's good in breaking lumps but it does not help when the lumps are large. Use the hoe is large lumps are still present in the soil.

Handle the hop properly. It is primarily used to remove the weeds and stir the top surface. In is used to form mulch of dust in summers. This helps in retaining moisture. Hoeing should be done carefully. Spading is done vigorously but not raking and hoeing.

Rake is used for making the bed fine and even after the lumps are removed. The ground is now ready for planting.