This past week we took advantage of the great weather to get out in the garden and build a few more raised beds. We had a sunny spot where I wanted to add some vegetable beds, so we worked in some compost and turned the soil. Raised beds about 10 inches high work great for us. That way we have plenty of soil depth and more than adequate drainage, even after the soil settles to about 6 inches high. I like to make our beds around 4 feet wide, which creates a wide planting area yet still enables us to reach the center from both sides. 

I have grown a lot of gardens, some good and some -- well, they were at least good exercise! One thing I have learned is that the bottom line is the soil. Whenever I go into a new spot to garden, things just aren't at their best for a year or two, until I've had a chance to really work up the soil and get it into great shape. 

You can cheat a bit by bringing in a good soil mix to fill raised planting boxes. That really works great and there's no shame in a good shortcut! But if you are trying to improve your native soil for a garden, it takes some time. So keep at it and don't be discouraged if the magazine crews don't show up to photograph you garden for their cover shot that first year. I mix in at least 3 or 4 inches of compost or composted manure to start things off. Then each time a crop finishes I mix in more organic matter with a rototiller or garden fork. When the soil is right, the garden is right.

An old gardener once told me that three fourths of your chance of success has been determined by the time you plant your first seed or transplant. His point was that well prepared soil and well-chosen varieties are the keys to a great garden. All the fertilizers, pest controls, and special techniques cannot replace good soil. My experiences have taught me this is quite true.