This is what we did:
1) plot out the area for the garden. I think we're crazy--3000 square feet puts us more on a small farm scale. But what the heck, we have plenty of space in the back yard, why not produce?
2) level the area with a tractor.
3) Karl found a source for bulk chicken manure ($50/ton) and compost ($18/cubic yard). He took the pickup truck and trailer and got a load. Then we scooped it out onto the garden and spread it around.
4) till the area with a rototiller.
5) use railroad ties to edge the areas that are terraced/leveled
6) plant. It's raining this week, so it may be delayed. And we aren't going to plant the whole area this year. We need to practice growing things first.
Here's what it looks like so far.
Anyone with experience: advice is welcome.
