david mcgrath

My goal is to start out small, a cherry tomato and zucchini plant along with some herbs, nothing crazy.

My neighbor, who I trust, says that my soil is horrible and nothing great will grow there. I would rather not trust me, but there is horrible drainage there and stays soaked for a while after it rains. Any advice on how to imrpove the soil if a raised bed is a bad idea? I know it's not an overnight process but this is something I really want to figure out. Thanks!!!

Tomorrow I want to build a  4 by 8 raised garden and put it in an 8 by 14 area. I'll need to fence it in because of the animals in our area. What should I put around the surrounding soil that is around the bed? Woodchips? Will this be annoying to work on? I'm a total newbie, and not all that handy, but I don't think putting together a 4 by 8 bed should be too difficult. Any advice regarding this will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

Great! Last questions. If I lay down some lime in a week or 2 can I still use the clippings later in the season? How would lime affect it if it would eventually be put in the veggie garden. Thanks so much!!!

Thanks!!! If I use an organic lawn fertilizer like Dr. Earth Lawn Fertilizer can I compost the grass clippings then? Or should I just stop feeding my lawn and let nature take over? It looks much better now than when I boiught my house and would hate to lose all that I worked for. Thanks!

That's what I figured. Do you recommend any specific products to feed my lawn that is nice and safe? I'm hoping to be able to use the clippings in the, hopefully not too long.

Last year I used scotts crab grass pre-emergent in the early spring and weed and feed a few months later. My question is would it be safe to use my grass clippings a few weeks from now in my compost bin if that will eventually be going into my veggie garden? I'm a little worried about this and I can't seem to find answer I trust anywhere.  I will not be using those items from here on out so any advice regarding feeding my lawn a healthier way would be helpful also. Thanks in advance!