I have a large area (24x32 feet) that I have covered with the beginning of lasagne layers (I plan to continue adding to it as material becomes available). My main goal at this point is weed control. And over time I hope to help what is now in this area, hard clay and very difficult to dig in....Hence the raised bed plan.

So here's the layout (I will get a photo tomorrow for the visual spacial folks out there)

The area is surrounded by landscape timbers, on the North side I have roses planted directly into the soil to form a semi border. On both ends (also on the Northern most side, are 2 young trees (no shade issues at this point).

I intend to build a total of 4 (more is space allows) containers that will be 4ft x 8ft x 10 inches. I will place these boxes on top of the lasagne layers and will continue some inside, more cardboard, leaves, soil, compost etc.

I also intend to build 2ft x 2ft boxes that I will plant melons and squash in. They will most likely be positioned around the perimeter (at the corners) with some room between them and the other beds so they can sprawl out.

Here is what I have to plant: green pepper, okra, artichoke, bush beans, snap peas, cabbage, squash, cantelope and watermelon, eggplant, onions, herbs (basil, parsley, dill, echineca, chives), cucumbers, spinach, swiss chard, turnip, radishes, carrots, beets, and I may be forgetting something...hmmm, well anyway that is the bulk of it.

I have another garden spot that I have tomatoes in exclusively and then one additional garden spot where I now have corn, onions, turnip greens, mustard greens, some pole beans. I will have room here to do some of the root veggies if need be.

I have never really had any knowledge of how to put stuff together, but for whatever reason, generally it seems to all work out for me.

but I'd be very interested in any "experienced" suggestions that you might have.

Thanks so much!