Question
I am having trouble establishing a vegie and herb garden in my
backyard.  We llive in an aprtment block on the Ground Floor.  
Only succeeded with cherry tomatoes, green peppers (small) and
cucumber (howeve season is short). medium success with lawn.
Failures are corn, okra, coriander and basil.  HELP!  

Answer
Brendan, the best advice I can give you is to start with good soil. Poor soil is almost always the reason for most problems in the garden. You definitely want to add ample organic amendments such as compost, shredded leaves, dried grass clippings, peat, humus, and aged 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.

Given your situation, you definitely need 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