Are we planning for next year's garden?

I try to plant green manure to dig in the soil in the spring time. I also want to put plenty of organic manure (no insecticides or other poisons to help the bacteria grow and feed to earthworms that help dig through the soil. I have only been working this soil for two years so it need a lot of help. I try to eat plenty of fruit and will throw the leftovers out onto the garden. These will be incorporated into the soil by the actions of bacteria and earthworms.

Have you heard of mulch tea? Buy an enzime and follow directions. Cheap and very good for soil. All natural. Loosens the soil to.

We have raised vegetables in past years, but my husband got disgusted with the drought this year and has vowed not to plant any next year...that's all right, I can have tomatoes and cucumbers and peppers right along with my flowers, and those are the main vegetables I like to eat fresh in the summer. I mostly dig my beds by hand as well, although my husband does have a rototiller that he offers to use for me. I usually turn him down, because part of the joy of gardening for me is the work involved; it gives me a sense of accomplishment that nothing else ever will. LOL I use rabbit manure from our pet rabbits, also make a "rabbit tea" in a bucket with manure and water, then water my pots with that---less harsh and won't burn plants like commercial fertilizers will. Miracle Grow is also a staple for my flowers and vegetables alike. I've wanted to do a compost pile, but am unsure how to begin, and am afraid I would end up with a stinking pile of garbage that the neighbors might complain about (I live in a trailor park) and I can't afford one of the enclosed barrel things for making compost. Thank you both for replying to my conversation and have a lovely night!

Dig away. Im planting Gords again this next year. They were so pretty in the raised beds we made from tractor tires.

Wish I coulda used tractor tires! I'm using cement builders blocks that I traded an old rider mower for. I'm having to dig them in since the ground is not level, and it's part of an old riverbed and LOADED with stones, rocks, and boulders! And by the way, this project was a result of a long cold winter's planning! I had measured and drawn in all the plants I was going to grow in them... it was a lovely illustration and I couldn't wait to see it in the garden! Like I said though, little did I know I would still be working on it 3 years later! I planted gourds last year, including loofah, but not one plant came up! The only think I can think of is not enough sun or the seeds were too old. I was so disappointed. I hope you post pictures of yours!

Hmmm, just noticed it wasn't PrettyViolet I was responding to! Oh well, that post is for both of you then!

I wish you all the luck in the world selling your house and finding a new one with all the garden space you could ever dream of! We are on rented land, but the landlord doesn't mind the "improvements" I make with my flowers and gardens. However, I do have most of my perennials in pots so that if I move, I can take them with me...even my rose bushes are in giant pots! LOL Thanks for the response, and have a happy Thanksgiving!