Sketch out the design of your garden area. Whether you plan on having one bed or many, knowing the size and number of beds you need will help ensure your materials list is accurate.
We all know that water is crucial to the growing cycle. It makes sense to plan for water before you install your beds. Doing so, gives you more options than figuring out you need a watering plan as an afterthought
If you are installing the garden bed on dirt, as most will, you may want to consider adding some kind of weed barrier. This simple step may help to save you time season after season by limiting the number of weeds present in your garden.