With the deer fencing hung, dig out perimeter of garden in preparation for small-critter protection:

Secure chicken wire to bottom of fencing, flaring it down into the trench about 10 inches to thwart digging pests. Secure bottom of deer fencing and chicken wire with landscape staples. I went through at least five, 75-count bags of staples on this project!

Next, line inside of garden with landscaping fabric to prevent hard-to-remove weeds from growing around fencing. Refill chicken-wire trench with dirt and secure landscaping fabric on the outside of garden to similarly thwart weeds:

Finally time for layout on May 15. Define walkways with landscaping fabric and stick in a few plants and seeds…

…before a hailstorm hits:

After the storm, keep planting…in the mud:

Tucker, go get the tractor…

…and help me mulch around the garden to make it look pretty!

And finally, kick back and wait for the plants to grow while enjoying a break from nearly three months of hard work!