Starting a garden

[Mantaray]

Now that I have taken care of the interior for the home I just moved in, time to pay attention to the outdoors. I want to start a garden. The problem is the sprinkler system. Maybe a raised bed garden would do, so there won't be any grass digging. Any ideas how to make a raised bed garden? I have in mind getting some big stone from Home Depot or gettting some 12 inches wide x 12 ft long pieces of wood, then anchor them to the ground. Then get some top soil from Home Depot while I'm there. Would 12 inches of top soil be good enough for pepper or tomato plants? Any other inputs would help. Thanks

[BEER4BAIT]

Stone would last longer. I would say 12" would be fine for that. You can row up higher for the bad rains we are having. No weed pulling with that type of garden.

[Mantaray]

Would it be better to dig the grass and turn it upside down for better drainage? Or just leave it as-is and just dump the soil on top?

[diggler]

I recently heard this answer on an AM radio garden show. Put newspaper on the grass (10-12 layers), then dump your topsoil on it. Finally, a good use for the Houston Chronicle!

[czechgrubworm]

I bought railroad crossties and made mine.. tilled the heck out of it for one full year, added mulch and sandy loam.. was ready the following year.. works well for me..

[BigTim]

Kill the grass, cover from sun or Roundup. When the grass dies, scuff the surface of the dirt about an 1" or so. Place your border of choice in place. Important part, go to a dirt yard and get what is called a "garden mix" and fill the plot. The plants will take of like a rocket.

[Meadowlark]

....Finally, a good use for the Houston Chronicle!

:biggrin::cheers: