Howdy

[MaxDrown]

Longer time fly fisher. First time gardener. :-) We are building a 11'x6x plot in our front yard this weekend.

I just noticed this gardening forum for the first time today. I looking forward to picking your brains as I learn how to garden.

[ness]

Good luck! Do it right -- getting the bed in good shape will make more difference to your results than about anything else.

[MaxDrown]

Any advice on getting it right?

[ness]

Get lots of organic matter (compost, peat moss, etc.) mixed into the soil. Break it up real good to a depth of 10-12 inches, but don't get it too fine.

Have you thought about a raised bed? There's an upfront cost in materials and soil, but it pays for itself in better results with less work. Get a nice rich soil going in a raised bed and you're not handicapped by the typical clay soils around here. They look neater and are easier to maintain too. I went back to them this year after several years of trying unsuccessfully to get my soil right.

[watermen]

Get lots of organic matter (compost, peat moss, etc.) mixed into the soil. Break it up real good to a depth of 10-12 inches, but don't get it too fine.

Have you thought about a raised bed? There's an upfront cost in materials and soil, but it pays for itself in better results with less work. Get a nice rich soil going in a raised bed and you're not handicapped by the typical clay soils around here. They look neater and are easier to maintain too. I went back to them this year after several years of trying unsuccessfully to get my soil right.

[watermen]

I went to railroad ties because everytime it rained like this my garden soil manure leaves etc. washed down the hill. the only knock I have with a raised 60 by 40 bed is that you'll take alot of water in the summer. It does seem to dry out faster than level garden. Might be an issue in the city if you have to pay for water. I dug mine down first then added good stuff on top like suggested. Good luck

[MaxDrown]

Our plan is to build a raised bed garden plot 11'x6' with retaining wall bricks. Under the bricks we'll be using 2" of river rocks, 2" paving sand, and 2" of leveling sand. We are buy some soil from a local guy called "miracle soil, which is soil especially prepared from vegetable gardens.

[ness]

One thing to keep in mind Max is that you'll want to stay off that beautiful soil in the raised bed, so you might want to make it a little skinnier so you can reach to the center from the sides. 4 feet is a good rule of thumb.

[MaxDrown]

Good tip. Thanks!

[Wormser]

If you add manure, make sure it is aged or composted or else it will use nitrogen instead of making it available.