Today, I went to the garden to do some digging. The weather was nice, not too hot, and there was a gentle breeze. I grabbed my shovel, the one with the wooden handle that’s gotten smooth over the years, and headed out to the vegetable patch.
Getting Started
First, I surveyed the area I wanted to work on. It was a patch where I planned to plant some tomatoes and peppers. The soil was pretty dry and compacted from the winter, so I knew I had some work ahead of me.
- Loosened the Soil: I started by plunging the shovel into the ground, using my foot to push it in deep. The first few scoops were tough, but I got into a rhythm. I lifted the soil, turned it over, and broke up the big clumps.
- Removed Debris: As I dug, I picked out rocks, old roots, and some stubborn weeds. I tossed them into a bucket I had nearby. It’s always surprising how much stuff you find once you start digging.
- Worked in Sections: Instead of trying to do everything at once, I focused on one small section at a time. I dug each area to about a foot deep, making sure the soil was loose and aerated.
Taking Breaks
After about an hour, I took a break. I sat on the edge of the garden bed, drank some water, and just enjoyed the peace. It’s good to take breaks, especially when doing physical work. I did some simple stretch and then I could continue my work!
Finishing Up
Once I had dug over the entire area, I raked it smooth. This helped to level the soil and get rid of any remaining small clumps. The soil looked much better now – dark, crumbly, and ready for planting. I put back the shovel and tools in my shed. I’ll leave the soil to settle down for a few days before I start the planting.
In the end, I was pretty tired, but it was a good kind of tired. There’s something satisfying about working the soil with your hands and getting a garden ready for planting. I’m looking forward to seeing those tomatoes and peppers grow. It’s not just about the vegetables, though. It’s the whole process – the digging, the waiting, the watching things grow. That’s what makes gardening so rewarding.
