Question
I am putting down plastic sheeting covered with 8" of topsoil, using railroad ties as borders 4' x 24' for vegetable garden.  I will plant in 4' x 4' squares. What ingredients do I need to add to the topsoil?  Friends use blood meal, lime, and some others, bur I don't have the "recipe".  Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Debbie, Blood meal is a nitrogen fertilizer, lime raises your pH.  Without a soil test, it's impossible to tell you how much of anything you need.  Your pH needs to be 6.5, the amount of lime you add would be based on your current pH.  Which fertilizer you use would depend on what you intend to grow.  Higher nitrogen for leafy vegetables than for fruiting vegetables.  Again, how much should be based on a soil test.  Also, consider using a porous landscape fabric instead of plastic, your plants will be healthier.  Jim