planning a partial subsitance garden

It may not be for you, but look into small scale aquaponics.
A friend of mine has a pretty cool little backyard system with catfish and tilapia and assorted herbs and veggies. A well tuned system can produce enourmous amoutns of food in a small area and with very little input. I will ask him about good websites to check out. This one may be a good start: http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/
If nothing else it is a good concept to learn about for a possible shtf scenario.
 
Quiet Bear, I really like that idea you mentioned of the Three Sisters technique. Sounds incredibly sustainable, and low-energy-input!

I can't say I've done it, and I will say the scope of my gardening is limited, but this article may give some ideas of small garden layouts:
mini-garden comparison: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/1986-07-01/Mothers-Minigardens.aspx

Suggested space is 4x30'

To prepare soil:
Till 2' down, preferably mixing with compost
or
Pile up a serious amount of mulch and allow it to break down. This holds in moisture and provides nutrients in times naturally lacking either. Seems to require more 'break-in' time than other methods, but highest in terms of energy-conservation.
If I try this one, I think I will stuff leaves in leafbags, then lay them down on their side in a 4x30' row, and allow them to decompost, forming the bed. As the mulch turns to compost, top it off with more mulch. Assuming no time-constraints, it seems like a very easy way to start cultivating the soil.
 
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