As some of you may recall from a previous post I made here a
few weeks back concerning tree selection, not too long ago I
moved from California to Waynesboro, VA, and I am finally
trying to come to grips with all the things I want to do
outside. There's quite a lot to do out there -- and inside as
well -- and since I am not an experienced gardener I will
probably be asking some dumb questions every now and then for
the foreseeable future.

One thing I neglected to mention in my previous post, which is
probably relevant to no else but me, is that I also recently
awoke from a several years that were dedicated to the
consumption of alcohol. The point of owning up to that is so
anyone who may relate to just how much fun *that* is, will
understand that my yard has taken on a symbolic value which
goes well beyond merely wanting it to look nice.

Now then, today's question:

My back yard includes a small garden plot (maybe 8' x 16")
which has been fallow for many years. It is currently
overgrown with weeds of various types.

What I would like to do with it this year is simply to get it
ready to use next year. In my mind -- so far at least --
doing this will involve installing some raised borders (I have
already researched previous posts to this group with regard to
what to do and not to do in the border department), and to
prepare the soil.

The soil is typical Virginia clay. I have read about that
also. The general advice being to add compost, organic
materials, and maybe a bag or two of gypsum every year or so.
Mix everything together, and the soil should gradually
improve. In the fall, my impression is that things like
leaves and lawn trimmings can go right in.

That gets me to my question, which concerns tilling.

- Should I just go ahead right now and till those friggin'
weeds directly into the soil? (along with some compost, I
suppose) Or should I remove the existing weeds before
tilling?

A related question concerns power tillers:

- Am I going to want to buy one? If so, any recommendations?

I do realize that many of you will laugh at the notion of
getting a tiller for such a small plot. I tried manually
tilling that SOB with a pick and a shovel last year, and,
given the current condition of the soil, that is not something
which I look forward to doing. I'm not even sure I am
physically capable of doing it.

Thanks!

Harry