Question
Hello Kindred. I'm glad I can ask someone for help.  I am waiting on delivery
of a raised garden bed shortly.   I live in NY and I am so looking forward to
putting this vegetable garden together.  I would love to have an area with
cooking herbs and then some vegetables.  I love zucchini, peppers, basil ( I
have that in a pot now)  OH, by the way, this bed is 41" x 21" and 17" in
height.  I am not sure what or how much I can fit there.  I have a cherry
tomato plant too. It's about 7" high that I would like to plant. Cucumbers are
also good.
I hope you can let me know how to and what to use to line the raised bed. It
is Cedar and has holes on the bottom.
Also, what is the optimal soil to get. Organic may be a difficult thing to start
with BUT I prefer no pesticides. I have 4 kids : )

Thank you so much for any help.  

Answer
Dear Bella,
I use simple top soil with natural fertilizer, as in chicken litter or manure.  I believe when it comes to raised beds and square foot gardening, the plants are able to grow much closer together than rows in the ground.  I would think you could have several plants
plants doing well in that space, at least one or two of everything mentioned and many herbs don't take much room.  I would recommend that you plant you squash and cucumbers on opposite sides of the bed, as they can sometimes cross, with not good results.  I wish you well and glad to see you getting into gardening.  You'll find your children will be healthier with home grown veggies.
Kind Regards,
Kindred
www.eingedi.us