Question
I have a 75' brick raised bed and need to replace the plants and improve the soil due to 10 years of overgrowth and lack of care.  I want to kill the existing plants, work the soil this fall and replant in Spring.  Need help with adding nutrients, how much soil to remove/replace etc. Only doing about half the length this year.  Thanks so much

Answer
Hi Mark

Ok, depending upon the type of plant growing in that area, you will need to either simply dig the plants up or spray them in order to kill them. Plants with large root systems (such as bamboo) can either be sprayed off with glyphosate or they can be covered with black plastic, if you have time to wait for them to die.

Regarding nutrients, I'm sure that the soil's fine as most soils can easily be improved by adding organic matter. The most important factor/element really is organic matter (cow manure or similar) as this will aid the retention of both water and nutrients within the soil. Organic matter should be added in the fall but it can be applied at any time really. Dig in the manure, preferably lots and as deep as you can (look up 'double digging'). Then, after planting your desired plants you will need to mulch the plants with more organic matter, preferably cow/horse manure as this will enrich the soil further and will prevent water loss- benefitting the growth of your plants.

You can also apply an N.P.K fertilizer around the base of the plants (during the growing season) and this will assist the initial growth of the plants.

Hope that was useful and thanks for any points you may give this answer in advance!

Regards

Jonathan