If you have a lot of shade, then begonias would be a very colorful plant. Don't forget to lift them in late fall! Some daylillys will do good in that much shade. Since you don't have to mow that bed, plant other spring flowering bulbs, crocus, daffodils, and my favorite hyacinth. A ZD rose up a trellis will give some height to your plantings.

Iowi, How did your galvanized water troughs work out? I'm a Seattle resident who would like to try the same but am utterly new to gardening (this is the first year I've owned a house with a substantial area in which to give it a try). We'd like to have one area with raised beds and another with galvanized tanks as beds. Not sure how to proceed with either but the tanks really have me stymied. Are small holes drilled in the bottom adequate drainage given our PNW rains? Or would it almost be better to cut out the bottoms of the tanks? Is it safe to grow food in galvanized metal? I know some zinc consumption is safe but I think the cadmium is a greater concern. Nila, Could you elaborate on your soil instructions? Are you recommending mixing these 2 components are layering them in some manner? Would you recommend this same mixture for other types of raised beds as well? Thanks guys! Hoping the GW community will take me under their collective wing and help grow a new gardener!

Fordido, yes I prune the lower branches and as the season goes on I am pruning a lot of the lateral branches (non fruit producing) in the center of the plant for better air circulation. I think with a toddler you are much better off with just six per bed. When I babysit my grandsons there is no way I could keep up with the pruning, spraying and the close attention needed for more dense planting and those two boys! Jennie

Certainly there is nothing wrong with a small garden. I don't have any experience with a hoop house and for spraying water thru a fence? First spraying water can lead to other problems esp. mildews etc. from getting the leaves wet. Lifting or accessing a hoop house I think will be more troubles than it is worth for long season crops. I am for moving the fence farther away from the bed frame but I prefer at least 4 ft. Some feel they can make do with less - so kneel down and work the bed to see just how much room you will need then add a foot as it will get crowded fast.. Do you compost or will you? I have recently moved my compost pile into my garden area 1.) to make it easier, and 2.) soil any worms or composted minerals, etc. are in the soil where I am actively growing plants. Keep a mulched area at least 4ft away from your bed frame as the roots from your plants will travel well beyond the bed frame and will not have to compete with grass or other weeds for water and other minerals. For other ways to keep deer away - have you considered a dog? If you still need a gate I am willing to bet that Home Depot or Lowes will have something.