I originally posted in the organic section - but with no replies figured I would jump in here (since my raised beds are for vege's). 3 out of 5 beds are completed, pictured here:
[img]https://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f347/OzzmysterG/3boxesdirt2.jpg[/img]
Last 2 nights I was able to get some seeds planted (they will probably die and not come up - but I am learning). And last night I was able to get some transplants done that we picked up on Saturday last week:
[img]https://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f347/OzzmysterG/1stplant.jpg[/img]
I know I am late on most of the seeds, but said what the heck, I need to learn some how. I planted seeds for: cucumber (2 diff types), lettuce (red leaf and butter crunch), corn, snap peas, parsley and basil. As for the transplants, there are 3 different tomato plants, 2 bell peppers and 1 egg plant. We will pick some more up when the other 2 boxes are completed here in about 2 weeks. Strawberries are a must along with a few other items we both (wifey and I) like.
? I have --- since we are trying to do organic vege's - what do I need to do to the soil (which is compost / manure mix from a landscape garden supply outfit).
Thanks!
There is not one experienced gardener who didn't get that way without killing plants. I have a philodendron way back in Atlanta to my "credit" as well as a robust zucchini that died over one weekend in Berkeley. Cause? never discovered._oz wrote: I know I am late on most of the seeds, but said what the heck, I need to learn some how. I planted seeds for: ....
? I have --- since we are trying to do organic vege's - what do I need to do to the soil (which is compost / manure mix from a landscape garden supply outfit).
And random seedlings and seeds along the way, too, but those particular two, since they were glorious, brilliantly green, healthy plants taking up many cubic feet of space--them, I remember most clearly.
About the soil: the best thing to do *for* your soil is to start your own compost pile/bin. It sounds like you got a good mix from the garden supply.
Do you know how many sources the compost came from? Most commercially available composts are single-sourced, e.g., grape-pomace compost, spent mushroom compost, etc. Your own compost will be made from so many sources that there won't be the least little chance of nutrient deficit. Although many threads in our [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=35]Composting Forum[/url] make composting sound like advanced chemistry, here is the basic truth:
Greens + Browns + Air + Water+ Time
Compost 
Greens and Browns are discussed [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9089]here[/url].
Air is incorporated by mixing, turning, or just using an aerator occasionally (my method).
Water can be manually added if the compost is under a barrier, like the lid of a bin; otherwise, rain does a good job.
Time needs to be measured from weeks to months, not days to weeks.
Trouble-Shooting:
If the compost smells bad and looks slimy, add Browns and mix/turn/aerate.
If the compost is damp but isn't doing anything, add Greens and mix/turn/aerate.
Avoid tumblers; too many of our members have had bad, expensive experiences with them.
Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9