Hi Val, I just finished phoning around to find out if anybody knows anybody who owns a horse/horses. The reason: I'm in need of the Red Worms that live in manure piles. Just starting worm composting. And I'm cheap, trying not to spend $40 or so for a lb. of worms. That's more expensive than filet mignon!!! What a shame that you live so far away. I'm in BC, Canada. Otis.

Lisa- About the wood for raised beds, I'm in the planning stages on my new beds too. A guy on craigslist is selling railroad ties for $8 each. (avg dimensions 9 foot long, 9 inches wide, 7 inches tall) I'm a little iffy on using them for edible plants, since they were treated with creasote, but if he's got some older/weathered ones (so most of the chemicals would have leached out a long time ago), I think that's my plan! Hanover County dumps also do the free mulch thing. Anybody know where to get inexpensive wire for putting under my raised beds to keep the moles out?

A lot of people think so, I like Ruth Stout no till garden with hay & straw, but the new fad is wood chips, which is okay if you can get them free. We use dry but not rotten saw dust years ago & everyone said it will kill your garden. Never had a problem. I must tell you I am 54 yr. & was raised in the row field type garden. I remember when everyone who was organic raved about the double dig garden fad. Now it is no till, have no ideal about the next fad. But no till works with my asparagus & sunchokes, so it should work for you beans too. I use cardboard in my first blue berry orchard, it worked every well. I still till under compost for my annual garden.

No idea on where to get dirt, but I'd get somebody in to discuss drainage - I doubt raising the level enough is practical. Even if you were to fill to raise, you'd still probably need some drainage solution. It may not be that complicated, something like french drains and a dry well (soakaway) may do it. You'll definitely want to ensure it's done right and drains well before putting any additional sheds up. If it happens after every rain and clears up, it really does sound like drainage would help.