Gardener's...I need your help!

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bmilla35

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Aug 29, 2007
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Hey guys...this year I decided to start my first garden (at the age of 21). A few months ago I tilled the area that I planned to put the garden, which is about 100 square feet. I also got the soil tested, and applied the recommended fertilizer components (which I think was 3.5 pounds of 5-10-5 and .5 pounds of super phosphate). I was pretty much forced to put the garden at the bottom of the hill because that is where it would get the most sun, and have noticed that it has some drainage problems. Because of that, and to help out the soil, I had 2 "ton" of a mushroom manure/topsoil mixture and added it to the garden. It's now about a foot above the rest of the land, and I realize I have to have some sort of raised beds.

My main question is should I quickly try and mix the newly added soil to the previously prepared soil, which would involve a lot of manual labor and turning soil over and over, or just try and wing it and do some stuff to the topsoil/manure mixture (in which case I would need your advice) and mixing the soil later?

If it matters, I plan on growing 3 different types of peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, and snap peas :D

Thanks for any help guys...i'll try to help and clarify any questions you may have, as I know I probably didnt explain my situation as well as I could have.
 
Check with a rental place or see if anyone you know has a decent rototiller that you can use,maybe you could even see if any of your neighbors would do it for a few dollars.If you rototill the new soil into the old that should make a pretty good seedbed.I think the new soil would be pretty rich for most of what your planting.
 
The mulch you added needs to be composted. I think yours is, so not an issue. You want to balance out the organic matter with soil (sand, silt or clay particles) mixed with it. You may want to divert the draining water from the slope away from your raised bed. You could use anything to border the raised bed, rocks, boulders, used tires etc. You need to mix the top stuff down as deep as 18" or so, that will promote deep roots making all the plants heat and drought tolerant. You can pick off some bottom leaves of your tomato plant and bury it deeper than the existing soil line. It will actually root along the main stem, providing a better root structure. Do not do that to the peppers, plant them at the same level as they are now, or slightly raised. Having new soil touch exposed main stems will start a crown or stem rot on those. Tomatoes- water the snot out of them for a month or two, then stress them gradually for water, making them bloom and fruit. Peppers, provide even watering, allow soil to dry out on surface in between water, do not keep too wet, they will rot. If you put them in a wilt, you will stunt thier growth. Do not forget to have fun!
 
Thanks for the help so far guys. I am looking for a neighbor with a tiller...and if not will just start digging a little by hand.

The mulch has indeed composted. Also, the soil below the added topsoil/manure mixture was tilled before, so I have a total of about 24 inches of loose soil. I haven't actually planted any plants yet...but really wanted to within the next few days
 
sounds like you are ready...... post pics as they grow!
 
Till it in initially and then do some reading on no till farming/gardening methods for future reference.
 
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