Double-Dug Step 1

Once you've removed any sod, put any soil ammendments like compost or fertilizers down on top of the bare soil.

Dig a trench about 3 ft. wide x 1 ft. long x 1 ft. deep. Remove that soil & use it for seed starting or composting.

Use a piece of plywood or something to distribute your weight as you stand on the area you intend to dig so that you don't compact the soil & make your work harder.