Richard Simcox

I did the same sort of thing one time when I haphazardly threw together a bunch of beds one late fall. I decided to head to the nearest hedgerow on the property and scrape 4 or 5 inches off the top of the soil around the trees, and then add that soil to the beds with too much horse manure. That was a free way to improve the beds.

I also sprayed the beds heavily with fish emulsion and kelp every couple weeks, mostly with the intention of inoculating and breaking down the manure faster. That bottle cost me $30 or $40 and would easily last a season or more.

Depending how your beds are set up you could think about double digging and effectively mixing the manure with more soil. It sounds like you replaced raised beds with horse manure though. Even then maybe you could scrape soil from the paths around your raised beds if your soil isn't junk? Less hauling!

If you like square foot gardening, it sounds like a raised bed would be the easiest way for you to be successful. And if you are willing to do some labor, just do the following: Dig out your 4X4 bed 1 foot down, then add equal parts compost to that soil you dug out. Add that all back to bed and it should have a raised bed effect going. Then dig a trench around the border of the 4X4 bed at least 6" down and 4-5" wide. Add mulch to fill trench, then add more mulch to height of your raised bed. Voila!

This will now become your no-till bed. Don't put weight on it or walk on the bed. Continue to feed the bed with plants growing, it doesn't matter what you grow really, but one plant will not keep the bed happy. If you can care for one plant you can care for ten right next to it. With that said you are smart to start small.

Just start with your favorite vegetables as long as it makes sense where you live. I should put emphasis on growing something that suits your area; look for local seeds too that will help. Good luck!

... When you brush your hair and clip your nails you think about the compost it will create.

... When you collect leaves on walks. For not only identification purposes, but also diversity for your compost pile.

... Being in charge of your community garden compost feels like you've succeeded in life.

... Collect detritus and rotted wood from the waterways.

... "Rescue" plants from places they will certainly soon die.

... Ask people what they are spraying in public places.