For straight rows, mark the ends with stakes and run a string from one end to the other. Using a garden trowel, make a shallow trench along the string for planting. This will help keep rows straight and evenly spaced.

Sprinkle Epsom salt along the planting trench/rows to strengthen seeds for germination. Epsom salt is high in sulfur and magnesium, both of which contribute to the cell wall strength and improve germination rates.

To increase water use efficiency in plants that send down deep root systems, dig holes around the perimeter of the area where plants will go in the ground. Place empty potting containers in the holes and leave empty. Do not fill them with soil! As the plants establish themselves, water directly into the open containers. The holes in the bottom will allow water to get to the root systems more quickly.

Gardening entails much more than simply putting plants or seeds into the ground. Thes tips and tricks will help to get you prepped and ready for planting, plus help your plants grow healthy and strong.