Because of potential disease pathogens in any fresh manure all manures should be aged 12 months before being added to soils 90 to 120 days before harvest, or they should be properly composted. You could put fresh manure on you planitng beds, if you are not concerned about potentially exposing you and your family to some of these diseses.

I understand your pain. I've found myself in similar situations. :-(

For what it's worth, when I was growing up, a neighbor did all of her gardening in somewhat sunken beds, and had good results. Depending on your situation, it might not be as bad as you fear.

I fear that fresh manure would burn your plants unless used in awfully small amounts, and mixed in really well. Even your partially-composted manure would help in that regard, if you're not concerned about potential pathogens...but if it's still hot in the pile, that's not the greatest sign.

Some people put coffee grounds straight into the soil, but some caution against using too many at a shot. While these will improve the soil, you won't manage to change the volume of the soil significantly.

Can you use the fresh manure plus the leaves to get a good compost pile going? With the proper mix and proper care, you might be able to get a quick-ish finished compost. In any case, getting the leaves to start breaking down will serve you well. Shredding them first would help.

I've found that when you're in a situation like this, you often need to choose between a much smaller garden than you'd hoped for, or a larger garden with less ideal soil than you'd hoped for. The only real consolation that I can offer you is that it will be better next year, and every subsequent year, if you keep at it.

Also, if you share where you're located, perhaps some other folks in your area might be able to provide you some suggestions for cheap or free soil additions.

Good luck.

I am in a similiar situation. Am building 4 to 6 new raised beds; all 4 x 8 feet and 20inches tall. I have lots of horse manure and "brown" material (shredded paper, straw, old grass, and leaves). I need to fill these beds but I'd like to do it without breaking the bank.

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This picture is showing the first step of my raised beds. I simply layed them on the ground. I didn't cover the grass or dig. First, I threw on the horse manure in a thin covering (about 2 inches). Followed with shredded paper and I wet it.

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I spent the next two hours cutting the fruits and vegetables so the worms wouldn't work so hard.

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I'm going to finish off these beds with straw and store bought (gasp) compost. But moving forward, I should be able to make my own compost and avoid buying anything in the future.

Nice beds Elledive! This doesn't really speak to Ryan's question, but Elledive - are you going to put anything down between/around the beds or let the grass grow? I would have a hard time mowing the grass that grows right up to the beds. Have you considered laying newspaper or cardboard on the lawn, at least around the raised beds so that you could put in paths, perhaps with chipped bark or wood on top of the cardboard/paper?

Rachel