If you can't find a local mentor, we can at least try and help you here on the forum.

First and foremost, do you have a compost pile?

Are the tomatoes still there with the cages? If so, discard them.

What kind of soil is in the raised beds and have you ever done a soil test?

What all are you trying to grow?

tj

No, I don't have a compost pile. I have a big plastic 60 L drum that I had considered using, but never did anything with.

Yes, everything in the garden is as I left it in August. I was so frustrated. I remember saying, "Screw it" and nothing has changed since out there.

I started with "Mel's mix" the first year, the added compost/soil the next year, then the post diggers for the fence added soil from what he dug (clay) then a hear of trying to pull out the clay and added more compost/soil and last year added more.

My fist harvest was great! Then things went down hill. I had weed issues, then clay issues, then weed & clay, then weed clay and Japanese beetles.

I have not done any soil tests.

I am trying to grow:
Tomatoes, green beans, pea pods, zucchini, pickles, herbs, peppers, lettuces, spinach & onions. Occasionally have tried leeks, garlic, shallots, corn, acorn squash and broccoli.
I have since turned over the herbs to my Aerogarden.

I have never mulched because I generally don't know what I'm doing (when or with what)and because I love the look and feel of the soil. I realize this may not be practical. I'd prefer organic gardening.

Thanks for responding. It feels like a lifeline during my panicked thaw.

A 60L (16 gal) container is a bit small for compost. I use vinyl coated 2" x 3" wire mesh that lasts for years. I have two bins 4x6x4 but even if you make a circular bin 3-4' high and 3-4' in diameter it would work well. Compost can make a good looking mulch in addition to improving the soil. I used to have bad clay issues too, but years of composting changed that. I still have clay, but a more workable soil. I've never used Mel's Mix but clay mixed with a lot of organic material (like your Mel's mix) is not a bad thing depending on the ratio. We all learn a little more each year so clean up that garden and try it again. Use anything organic for mulch to keep the weeds down and moisture levels even. Straw, leaves, grass clippings (if no weed and feed or pre-emergent was used) whatever is handy.

tj

Okay, I need to work on talking my husband in to that one. I think he considers the garden bed an eyesore. I'll talk with him today and see what kind of response I get. I remember bringing it up before and he said, "What would the neighbors think about a huge garbage pile in the yard?!" (I may be fighting more than weeds)

I live right down from you in Lake Geneva.

I have a crazy travel schedule so I will try to help you via this forum for now.

Right now, you need to think about bed preparation. The more you do, the better the results but I understand time and budget restraints. I would keep all of your left over remnants of your garden from last year and till it in. I would then add more compost and/or potting soil (not top soil). I would dig/till down about 2Â to get good aeration and nutrients all mixed in. Once you have one small 2Âx2Â area done hit it with your hose. If the water drains easily you have done a great job, if it leaves puddles for more than 30 mins, you will need to add more compost or potting soil.

I know you are concerned about weeds so you can either mulch, after you have planted your garden, or learn to love using a trowel for weeding. I too love the look of soil, so I keep some of my cutting beds bare (no mulch) but them I am weeding them weekly with a small hand trowel and a larger hoe. I just cut them off and leave them to wither in the sun. if you pull them out you will only have to weed every other week. Mulch is great though. Many vegetables like warm roots and the mulch helps to do that, plus it keeps the moisture from dissipating in the warm summer sun. Mulch should be 2-4" thick. The more you use, within reason, the longer it will last. I always put down newspaper before mulch and it helps keep the weeds out even better and just composts by the next Spring. You can use cedar chips, shredded cedar, free municipality mulch.. really it is more decorative when it comes out to what you want. There really isnÂt a better or worse mulch, just what you like and what your budget can afford. You add mulch once you have planted your veggies. Usually the plants in the Spring are only 2-4" anyways so I donÂt mulch right up to their stem. I leave a little room for when they get bigger and then push it closer, I try not to let the mulch directly touch the stems because of bug and rot issues.

Now is also the time to start planning on what you want in your garden. I see you have a list going, but not exact names. If you know the exact type of plant such as cherry tomatoes, then I would google or post back here to find out how large they will get because you donÂt want them too crowded because you will need good air circulation and it is easy to harvest if you can get between them. A quick sketch will help plan and then when you go to the nursery you will know exactly how many you will need so you do not Âover buy as we all tend to do so.

I have never thought vegetable gardens were really Âpretty to look at so I have always added flowers. Maybe creeping phlox to spill over your raised beds for some color? Or Glads to brighten up the beds in summer.

I hope that helpsÂ

Please post back with any other questions
Happy gardening!
Keriann~

I had to laugh when I read your message. We all mess up, even those of us who've been gardening for years. You need to read this thread from the Perennials forum. It should make you feel better.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stupidest gardening mistakes

Wow...Keriann, that helped a bunch. I can't wait to get started. I'll go check out the perennial thread too.

Thanks!!

That perennial thread is hilarious. Thanks for the link!

Salem-girl

Do you have a final veggie list yet?

I could draft up a rough sketch if that would help you plan your bed.

Keriann~