You've already made your choice, but thought I'd pipe up. I, too, have mixed feelings about my walkers low nepeta, because I haven't given it quite enough room where it's planted. But I have been admiring several newish mass installations around Vancouver that this city has done on public property, meridians, etc and it is absolutely spectacular. They are using it a lot in the narrow meridians on busy streets -- narrowish beds maybe 4' feet wide with nepeta in long, long lines, sometimes with tall grasses. So beautiful. I'm starting to like it best like this -- on it's own in long borders the way you often see done with lavender. I will try to get a pic next time I drive by one. Sheri

Compost is considered a soil amendment. It is not intended to be a sole planting medium although it can certainly be used to supplement any type of garden or potting soil. But not take the place of :-) Compost is only partially (OK, mostly) decomposed organic matter. It contains none of the mineral components of a true soil so may very well be lacking in certain micronutrients. And because it is only partially decomposed, it will continue to break down over time, compressing and collapsing and becoming waterlogged and impeding good drainage.And because it continues to decompose, it shrinks. You can expect a 25-60% reduction in volume of compost over the course of a full growing season, depending on how "finished" it is to start with. One can encounter all manner of anecodotal experiences about growing plants in less than ideal media - heck, hydroponics grows plants in nothing but water - but it is not always the most efficient or productive method. There is a solidly scientific reason why potting mixes and garden blends were created!

I was in exactly the same situation last year. Huge border - 100 ft long and about 16 ft at it's widest. No money. I started LOTS and LOTS of seed. Not direct sowing though. I have found the best method for me is to use some seed starting mix in a styrofoam cup. By the time it has outgrown the cup, it is probably ready for planting. I learned this the hard way after lots of repotting last summer. I sowed everything outdoors in the shade. I had alot of luck this way. Must be the humidity here is good for seed starting. Anyway, I am starting alot of seeds again this year the same way because the border is still not as full as I would like - I am going for a very lush and overflowing effect. But it is a long way toward being there - just waiting for lots of growth! Theresa

Basically I agree with jwstell42, but keep in mind that your walk space between the beds must be wide enough to accommodate your body comfortably--probably 18" at least. You'll need access to the plants for a number of things, including harvest. I also have limited garden space and scrimped on the walk space between my three raised beds this year--allowed only 9". I'm regretting it already. They are very uncomfortable, if not dangerous, to navigate. I'll fix the situation next season.