Nancy: I saw your post in the container forum, but didn't comment because I thought your main question was about root veggies, which I don't grow. I would jump at the chance to own those raised beds if I could afford the price. They sound wonderful. I think you could probably grow any annual vegetable you want if the potting mix was fast draining and the beds have adequate drainage. It will be more like a container than the average raised bed, which wicks to the ground. You will probably want to avoid using real soil or more than 10-15 percent amendments like composted manure. I would choose a mix that is primarily made up of pine or fir bark. This post was edited by Ohiofem on Tue, Feb 26, 13 at 9:22

Hi James, I was wondering if those steps are new concrete steps and if the house was tuckpointed recently before you bought it? The reason I ask is that there appears to be some very recent work done in those areas that you are having problems with (notice the lighter color of the mortar in the joints of the brick surrounded by darker mortar joints in picture 3). Was there settling around the steps and was the footer replaced or were the stairs just re-pointed with new slabs layed for the treads? I also see a long vertical joint that looks like it was caulked near your family room. You may have some deeper settling issues that were camouflaged with some touch ups. I would like to advise you to call a bricklayer in to see if there is a problem that you may need to worry about with the foundation walls. You may have already addressed the issue permanently by diverting the water. But I would advise checking into it with a professional before you do any more work around that section of the house. An estimate will not cost you but you will have some peace of mind before you invest any more time, effort and energy into it.

Celestino: I'm in Santee. Nice to see somebody from San Diego. If you're right on the coast, then you may be able to eke out some fresh lettuce before the Santa Anas hit in Sept/Oct. I'll be starting mine indoors in about a month, but even after I transplant, I'll have to shade them a bit until it cools in Nov. If you are near the coast, you should be able to grow lettuce almost year round, except when those Santa Anas come, where shading, mulching, and watering just may be able to keep them from bolting even then. Here's a decent planting calendar for the county. Here is a link that might be useful: Veggy planting calendar for San Diego

toffee - Well lettuce is a cool season crop but it does need sunlight, perhaps more than the north side of your house is going to provide. I would say that given you already have your beds there to try it out this year and take notes on how it does. I would also keep notes on how many hours of sunlight it gets in that area during your growing months. As far as your beds go, stick your hand down in to it and see if it feels warm or hot. Perhaps it will be okay to go ahead and plant in to it if it's not really warm or hot. Worse case you could go ahead with your plans and even if it fails you'll know what you face next year. You can use it as a learning experience. I don't know where you live, (you don't say), but in zone (9) you may be able to grow all year. I know I do here in zone (10). Greg Southern Nevada