Are the veggies unsprouted, seedlings, or bigger plants?

I'm no expert, but I would probably put down compost and then mulch over the top of it. Maybe put down soaker hoses first, if it seems practical.

I'm wondering what the "triple mix soil" is and what amending you think it needed...

--Riff.

IIRC, triple mix varies considerably from place to plcce, but its a form of pre-amended topsoil, sometimes with lots of good compost and a mix of sand and clay, sometimes its just chopped "composted" wood and construction scrapings.

But top-dressing with compost seems like a good idea. It also takes a growing season for a new bed to "set up" and develop a workable water percolation structure.

Thanks very much for the responses... I'll pick up some compost and mulch and topdress the beds.

And I've got a mix of unsprouted, seedlings and bigger plants... I've included a link.

This weekend my dh and I will be spreading cedar mulch around the beds and I'm excited about that...I think I've been bitten by the gardening bug!

Here is a link that might be useful: Krystine's Raised Beds

When my plants are small I mulch with grass clippings to keep the soil surface from drying out. Once the foliage is big enough to cast some shade I don't usually need to replenish it. When I start a patch of seeds, I cover them with an upside down nursery tray (to keep the squirrels out) and mulch around the outside of the tray which helps too.

Great garden. Your deepbeds are very similar to mine. Good idea to take the 'before' picture, I forgot to do that with mine.

As for the dry soil problem, how far down is the soil dry? The surface will dry out very quickly in the summer heat.
If a sample of soil at root level doesn't crumble and can be made into a ball, it's wet enough. You'll want to water deeply once or twice a week to help your plants develop deep roots. Your soil, since it's new, may compact quite a bit, at least I found that with my soil. Definately mulch will help keep the moisture in.

Thanks very much for all your responses! I added compost and mulch, and it appears to be helping.

Now if I could just figure out a way to tame the dang zuchinni plants so they won't take over the garden and sweet talk my watermelons into growing more, I'll be all set!

Thanks again,

Here is a link that might be useful: Krystine's Garden Blog

Glad to know things are getting better. Zucchinni can be trellised. See www.squarefootgardening.com.

I have the magic ingredient- and it is even enviromentally friendly. Coconut fiber. It is made by a company called Tropic Gro and is a renewable resource. I live in Utah (second driest State in the nation) and I use this stuff in my flower pots. Even in July, I can go 2 or even 3 days between waterings in my big pots by mixing half potting soil and half coco fiber.

I am just building my raised beds now but plan to mix in a lot of coco fiber. It is more expensive than some soil ammendments but will last multiple years. In my SFG beds, I will probably go with about 25% coco fiber. This is a replacement for peat moss and does not bind up and dry out like peat does. Doesn't degrade the environment either as peat moss harvesting does.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tropic Gro Homepage

Thanks very much re: the coco fiber tip... I'll have to check that out! :)