Over the years this method of gardening has worked for me – and I suspect for many others: it makes a logical sequence/sense. Something such as runner beans is to be planted along a fence where grass has had its way across the winter and made a thick carpet. The shovel outlines the intended plot, then slices that rectangle into neat squares (well, sort of neat!). Each square is removed and the ground soil beneath loosened. Then the squares are put back in place but upside down. And the bean seeds, or whatever, planted in the underside of the sod. The grass is likely a bit puzzled but it eventually decomposes and becomes ‘food’ for the growing plants.
Speaking of runner beans: my garden nowadays tends to be of the snacking kind that will last across the season. Scarlet runner beans, planted in one or two sessions weeks apart, provide a bean or two or three each day across the summer. Climbing red malabar spinach does the same. I look more for food that will give me a bit over a period of time rather than a bunch all at once. Any other suggestions?