The good news is that you will need very few tools to be successful in a raised bed! A pitchfork or shovel might help loosen the soil at the start of each season. During the season, scissors and a hand trowel are quite handy. Other useful things you might find around the house are spray bottles for pest control; plastic knives or popsicle sticks for labeling; and a bucket to fill with weeds. This guide contains specific information on how to plant and grow a variety of vegetables that are well adapted to our (Greater) Boston climate. We have included information on where to place the raised beds, planning which crops to plant and when to plant them, watering, caring for the soil and
getting rid of pests. There are many ways to plant a garden, so feel free to experiment and try other methods. Talk to other gardeners in your neighborhood and see what is working for them. Stop by Dudley Greenhouse, 11 Brook Ave in Roxbury during Greenhouse Open Hours or sign up for one of our workshops. Read gardening books, magazines, and seed catalogues. We have included a list of them as well as other helpful resources in the back of this guide. Of course, the best teacher is “trial and error”—so roll up your sleeves and have fun.