Question
Hello...My husband was nice enough to put in 3 raised beds that are approximately 10' x 12'.  They are about 8"-12" high.  We live in NE Scottsdale and the location of the beds receives morning shade and afternoon sun.  We planted about 2 weeks ago.  Mostly vegetables from seed, but did put in two rows of starter strawberries, a few bell peppers, and a tomato plant that were purchased at Home Depot.  Within just a few days the strawberries, peppers, and tomatoes lost their leaves, turned brown, and withered away.  As of yet, we do not see any seeds sprouting.  I believe we must have used the wrong soil.  We basically just filled the beds with steer manure purchased at the Garden Center.  Please help?  My kids want to know why their garden isn't growing.  

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Shelley, You are right, it's a soil problem...you didn't use any!  Manure is a soil conditioner, not a soil. The next step is hard work. It's called double digging.  Shovel the manure to one corner so you can get to your original soil below.  Then dig 10-12" down, blend in the manure, until you have a uniform consistency throughout the bed that is half soil, half manure.
Then replant.  You'll need to monitor your watering especially with young plants.  Elevated beds dry quickly and water is pulled downward so the surface is much drier than 6" down. Young plants can't reach this moisture so check them daily.
Jim