Question
I am going to make my garden bed ready for tomatoes, cucumber, green beans, bell peppers, eggplants, okras, carrots, onions, lettuce, spinach, etc. What kind of garden soil do I need to get? Since this is my first time gardenning in this place after I dug up a lot of weeds. Any suggestions? I just want to make sure that I am doing the right thing so we could have good crops this year.....

Answer
Winnie, the key to a successful garden is good soil. You definitely want to add organic amendments such as compost, shredded leaves, dried grass clippings, peat, humus, and manure.  Most local garden centers offer a good selection of combined materials for starting a new garden.

By using organic materials, you are increasing the number of microorganisms in the soil which result in increased resistance to diseases. They also balance the ph level and provide a continuous supply of nutrients for the plants. Another benefit is that it improves the tilth of the soil, which improves water retention and soil temperature. In short, plants thrive in composted soil.

Since you are new to gardening, you might want to consider building a raised bed.  Although it抯 not required for success, I always recommend framing a raised bed.  You can use treated lumber or use a non-rotting natural wood such as cedar. Either of these woods will last up to 20 years.  I personally use treated 1擷3攕 screwed together in 4扻5?beds.

If you choose to use treated lumber, make sure to ask for wood treated with ACQ.  This wood is treated with borax preservatives.  Borax is non-toxic to humans and will not adversely affect your plants, even in the first year.  Recent studies have shown that it is best to stay away from wood treated with arsenic (CCA Wolmanized) or woods treated with creosote.  The chemicals can leach into your soil and have ill effects on both you and your plants.

The down side to using unframed raised beds is that the sides constantly need to be raked in after a hard rain.  If left untended, the plants on the sides can eventually wash away.

The decision is certainly yours.  But my recommendation is to take the time and build the structures.  Over the long term, you抣l be happy you did.

A great book I always reference on square foot gardening is 揝quare Foot Gardening?by Mel Bartholomew.  It is also an excellent reference book for building raised beds.  It also has chapters on soil improvement, composting, extended cold weather gardening, seed starting, pest and disease controls, and a reference section on various vegetables and their special needs. You can purchase it online through such companies as Amazon or Barnes and Noble, or at most good book stores.

Good luck.  If you have any other questions, please write again.

Regards,

Mike