The Modern Victory Garden

Have one bed still empty, didn't have enough compost from last season to get it started.

Was wondering what mix of raw materials you all have used to start a new raised bed?  So far I've loosened the soil at the bottom of the bed, nice black soil, about 8 inches.  Have 8-10 inches of bed to overfill now.

The extension service recommended 1 part peat, 1 part composted manure (which I can get fairly easy), 1 part soil/garden soil, with some sand thrown in to make it a bit more "airy".

For this one bed I was going to also mix in just a cup or two of 10-10-10, then let it sit for a few days before I finally turn it over and smooth it out for planting.  Rain is coming this weekend, which may delay the result just a bit.

If you have any other suggestions, please let me know.  This is going to be the tomato bed for this season, with luck I'll have another right next to it for peppers in a week or two!

Your plans for that new bed are excellent.   The extension service recommendation is sound and adding the fertilizer ahead of time is a good idea particularly when not using an organic fertilizer mix.   The chemical fertilizers are more likely to burn your plants so giving it time and mositure ahead of planting is smart.

during the fall gather bagged leaves , I add a cup of that 10-10-10 a hand full of lime and a quart of water .  tie the bag and roll it a few times . then each week roll  a few times  add a little water if needed and in about 6-10 weeks you will have some great bed filling compost. start out with about six bags.  OH! I add three shovels of horse manure to some WOW. Grady