Question
Hi, and thanks in advance!  I am working at a care facility that has raised planters/beds.  How can I know what if anything needs to be done before we plant veggies and flowers this year?  I have heard that they were not entirely successful last year.  They are about 10 inches deep.

Answer
Hi Denise, Soil that is used year after year breaks down into finer and finer particles which inhibits root development and slows drainage.  Use what you have, turn it, loosen it each year and add some coarse organic matter and a little clay if you have it.  Clay helps hold moisture better in raised beds and holds nutrients better also.  You can grow things in very loose soil mixes but you'll need to water more because it dries quicker and because you're watering more, you'll need to replace the fertilizer more often that you are flushing out with the water. Jim