Lol - I hope no one remembers that remark - I really don't often look anything up - as I'm sure you don't either. ;o) Raised beds offer you a TON of leeway insofar as what will work as a soil in them. You could easily use 3'4 sand and 1/4 organic component & have great results. If you consider that most garden soils are >95% mineral with Some things to consider: With the mix I started with (above), as noted above, it was a little difficult to rewet for the first year. The surface often became hydrophobic to the degree that I had to water the surface & then come back a few minutes later and water again. The second watering was then readily absorbed. If I was making the soil again, I would add a greater % of mineral - either in the form of sand, Turface, crushed granite, or native topsoil. The reason for that is soil stability/shrinkage reduction. Raised bed soils with a high % of organic components shrink rapidly. I'm fixing that as I go by recycling all my used gritty mix (a considerable amount) by turning it back into the raised beds, thus increasing the mineral content (as the organics break down). The last thing I'll mention is to watch for N immobilization - especially/mainly for the first year. Whether your wont is to use organic or chemical fertilizers, there's a good chance you'll need a little heavier hand on the N supply. Al

Large rocks probably should be removed, stones, pebbles most likely do not need to be. The soil particles you have came from those stones and pebbles. In addition to manure and the worm castings your soil will need vegetative waste, somewhere around 6 to 8 percent. With no indication about where in the world you are it is difficult to suggest sources other then there may be deciduous trees with leaves that will become available fairly soon. If you are in the USA your states Agricultural schools Cooperative Extension Service should be able to help with a good, reliable soil test for soil pH, P, K, Ca, Mg levels and these simple soil tests might also be of some help. 1) Structure. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. A good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. 2) Drainage. Dig a hole 1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drains� too quickly and needs more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up. 3) Tilth. Take a handful of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a finger that clump should fall apart. 4) Smell. What does your soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria will be and the nicer your soil will smell. 5) Life. How many earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that is not healthy.

Just sauce because we always simmer chicken breasts in the sauce and serve it with little cubes of mozarella cheese over angel hair pasta. Sounds like a great idea for dinner tonight, in fact. Thanks for the nudge, Sandy!

About two hours ago we had a thundershower. I'd just straightened the pole holding the strings holding the pea vines, that had fallen over while I was away, braced it, stretched the strings holding them, added another, and was starting to pick peas. Got beans that need picking to take to the churches ... but not enthused about picking with boots on. I know ... I'm not supposed to kill the kid in me ... and I may be edging up toward second childhood ... ... but when it comes to picking bush beans in mud ... ... I ain't there, yet! I hope that you're all enjoying your weekend. o j