Row Planting

• 1). Follow the directions on the seed packet for planting times and seed and row spacing for the each particular vegetable plant.
  
  
• 2). Drive a wooden stake into the ground at each end of a row. Tie one end of a long string to form a loop that is the right size to slide over the wooden stake. Drape this loop over one of the wooden stakes and then stretch it taut down the length of the row to the wooden stake at the other end. There, tie it to that stake. This string serves as a guide for where the row is located and where the groove, or furrow is cut into the soil.
  
  
• 3). Cut a groove in the soil with a garden hoe that follows the string as straight as possible. Make the groove as close as possible to the depth directed on the seed package.
  
  
• 4). Repeat the process with the stakes and string until the desired number of furrows is made.
  
  
• 5). Mark a line on a wooden dowel or thick pencil that is the depth directed on the seed packet for the vegetable being planted. Make a mark on the dowel 1 inch from the end if directions instruct you to plant the seed 1 inch into the soil,
  
  
• 6). Start at one end of the furrow and measure a hole for the seed that is spaced the recommended distance apart. Punch the wooden dowel into the soil to the black line. Place three seeds into the hole. After the first couple of holes you can judge the distance without measuring each one.
  
  
• 7). Pull the back of the rake over the furrow to fill it in with a thin layer of soil. Tamp it down loosely. Continue until all furrows are planted.
  
  
• 8). Water the row thoroughly but with care not to disturb the soil or expose the seed.
  
  

Hill Planting

• 1). Drive a wooden stake into the ground at each end of a row. Tie one end of a long string to form a loop that is the right size to slide over the wooden stake. Drape this loop over one of the wooden stakes and then stretch it taut down the length of the row to the wooden stake at the other end. There, tie it to that stake. This string serves as a guide for where the hill will be formed.
  
  
• 2). Form a hill of soil 4 inches tall and 18 inches wide, using a garden rake, that follows the string as straight as possible.
  
  
• 3). Mark a line on a wooden dowel or thick pencil, using a black marker, that is the depth directed on the seed packet for the particular vegetable. Make a mark on the dowel 1 inch from the end if the directions call for the seed to be planted 1 inch into the soil,
  
  
• 4). Start at one end of the hill and measure a hole for the seed that is spaced the recommended distance apart. Punch the wooden dowel into the soil to the black line. Place three seeds into the hole.
  
  
• 5). Pull the back of the rake over the hill to fill it in with a thin layer of soil and tamp it down loosely. Continue until all furrows are planted. Water the row thoroughly without disturbing the soil or exposing the seed.