On Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:25:07 -0600, Scott Hildenbrand
wrote:

I've got a new plot which I'm going to work out for a vegetable garden
this spring.

Size: 34' X 50' - 1700 SF

It's currently lawn sod which I will be killing off by mowing it to
ground level and tarping it with black plastic for a month+.

Once it's ready I'm wanting to add at least 3" of material to it.

I'd figured it out to at least 15 cubic yards of material needed.

What I'd like to do is 70% amendment soil, 10% peat, 15% manure and the
rest would be the leaf matter I collected this fall.

Wanting to know what you all think of this, or if I should go about it
in a different manner. Or if you think I should add anything else to
prep it for first season growth before it gets seasoned in.

Thanks in advance!


Some random thoughts... Get a soil test. Then you will know what to
add, rather than just guessing at it. Also, plants have different
requirements. For example, corn needs a lot of nitrogen, but giving
nitrogen to pepper plants may decrease the yield. Adding rotting
leaves or compost is usually a safe bet. Take a look at drainage.
Removing rocks might turn out to be a larger task than expected. For
a large plot a rototiller will help make quick work of the integration
task. Manure is good, but it may add a lot of weed seeds. Don't work
the soil if it is wet! Rows are easier to maintain. Rotate your
crops. Keep a diary.