A set of template row markers with stakes attached

Anchoring a template to one end of a bed after centering on bed

Before planting your raised bed garden, refer to tables 1 and 2. Table 1 lists inter- and intra-row vegetable plant spacings developed specifically for 40-inch-wide beds. If your beds are equipped with buried drip irrigation, determine the location of the emitter lines prior to marking rows. Refer to Table 2 (A and B) for the proper emitter line placement for various row spacings.

Several techniques are available for marking planting rows. The oldest method used to ensure a straight row is a taut string between two stakes. The template row marker is a modification of this simple technique and is ideal for quickly and accurately marking multiple rows per bed.

The template row marker consists of a matching set of wooden templates and a rope marker. Each template is equipped with an array of screws (or nails) that correspond to the location of a row on the bed. Use the calibration guide in Figure 1 and a permanent marker to properly locate and label each screw on the templates. Leave 1/4 inch of the shank exposed when inserting the screws into the templates so the rope can be attached.

When ready to mark rows, position the templates at both ends of the bed. To prevent movement, use rebar stakes to anchor each template to the bed surface. Remember to center the template on the bed before anchoring.

Attach the looped ends of the rope (clothesline works well) to the corresponding screws on each template. When attached, the rope should be taut. Lifting and releasing, or "popping", the rope several times will leave an indention in the soil surface, which marks the rows and doubles as a furrow for hand-sown small seeds.

Using a template row marker on a plastic mulched bed by substituting chalked line for rope

Marking a row by popping line